SMEs Intervention Programmes in Nigeria: Evaluating Challenges Facing Implementation

Abstract

To ensure price and economic stability, the central bank of Nigeria has adopted several unconventional monetary policy measure such as MSMEs credit intervention with the aim of boosting credit availability in specific sector of the economy. The intuition is that rise in productive activities/investment will indirectly promotes price stability the core mandate of the bank. Therefore, this study investigated the challenges facing implementation of real sector (MSMEs) intervention programmes of the CBN since year 2000 to 2020. The study employed mixed method using descriptive survey approach to sample 62 intervention programme implementers and 400 Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The findings reveal among others that high loan default risks, politicization of programmes, and inadequate infrastructural development are the leading challenges facing programme implementers in Nigeria. Applicants' non-eligibility in programmes applied for, poor business plan or inadequate knowledge in proposed business topped the reasons for failures among applicant MSMEs. Consequently, a need for more public-private partnerships in programme design, monitoring, and evaluation to forestall political interference is advised.