EFFECT OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES ON SMES GROWTH IN NIGER STATE

A CASE STUDY OF BIDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the economy. The lack of infrastructure facilities in Nigeria has hampered the expansion of SMEs. These amenities include things like power and water supplies, a road and rail system, telecommunications, medical facilities, and more. The government is responsible for providing these amenities, however, in Nigeria, practically all of them are insufficient or in short supply. The performance of SMEs in the Nigerian economy has been adversely impacted by this circumstance. In this study, the impact of infrastructure on the performance of SMEs in Nigeria is examined. The quantitative research methodology was chosen as the approach while a survey study design and a critical and convenience sampling procedure were employed to gather data from 240 respondents chosen from six significant SMEs clusters in Bida Local Government Area of Niger State. To evaluate the study's hypotheses, the data gathered through the use of questionnaires was analyzed using percentages and chi-square. According to the study findings, many Nigerian small- and medium-sized businesses are responsible for funding their own basic infrastructure. The enormous expense involved in providing this essential facility has driven many small and medium-sized business owners. Power and water infrastructure are essential to any commercial operation. As a result, in order to expand, small and medium-sized businesses need infrastructure facilities.