Impact of Selected Government Policies on Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in North Central Nigeria (Published)
The aim to systematically investigate the impact of selected government policies on the sustainability of SMEs in North Central Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design to collect data at a single point in time, enabling an assessment of the impact of government policies on the sustainability of SMEs in North Central Nigeria. The study focuses on SMEs operating across states in Nigeria’s North-central geopolitical zone, specifically Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The population consists of SMEs classified by SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria) across the selected states is 218,434, with variations in distribution. Thus, using Yamane’s method, the sample sizes for each state range from 393 to 394. Stratified random sampling is adopted to ensure proportional representation across SME subgroups, minimizing bias and enhancing generalizability. This study rely exclusively on primary data collected through a structured survey to address the research objectives. This study employed multiple regression analysis to examine the impact of government policies on the sustainability of medium enterprises in North Central Nigeria. Based on the comprehensive data analysis, the following conclusions are drawn, Infrastructure Support Policy is the most significant positive predictor of SME sustainability. Labour and Employment Regulation Policies have a statistically significant negative impact on sustainability. Technology and Digital Transformation Policies have a strong, significant positive impact on sustainability. In light of the conclusions, the following actionable recommendations are proposed: Policymakers must treat infrastructure, especially Stable Electricity and Transportation Networks, as a non-negotiable foundation for economic growth. The government should develop and implement a Differentiated and Flexible Labour Policy Framework for SMEs. To bridge the digital divide, policy should focus on Decentralizing Digital Transformation Initiatives. This involves establishing and funding tech hubs and digital literacy training centers in less developed states (e.g., Benue, Kogi) and providing targeted tax breaks for SMEs investing in approved digital tools and e-commerce platforms.
Keywords: Digital Transformation, Government Policies, Labour, Sustainability, infrastructure support
Government Policies and Performance of Pharmaceutical Firms in South-East, Nigeria (Published)
The study aimed at investigating the effect of government policies and performance of pharmaceutical firms in South-East, Nigeria the specific objectives were; Determine the extent of relationship between tax policies and competitive advantage of Pharmaceutical industries in South-East, Nigeria; Evaluate the effect of regulatory policies and quality control of Pharmaceutical industries in South-East, Nigeria; The research work was anchored on and rational-choice theory. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was 1881. The statistical formula devised by Borg and Gall (1973), was employed to arrive at a sample size of 361. Pearson product-moment correlation analysis method was used in testing the hypotheses. The result of the hypotheses showed that Tax Policies has a significant positive effect on competitive advantage of Pharmaceutical industries in South-East, Nigeria. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient values between tax policies and competitive advantage of Pharmaceutical industries revealed (r = 0.769, p<0.05); Regulatory Policies has a significant positive effect on quality control of pharmaceutical industries in South-East, Nigeria. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient values between regulatory policies and quality control shows (r = .790, at p<0.05). The study concluded that that government policies has significant positive effect on performance of pharmaceutical industries in South-East, Nigeria. The study recommended that Nigeria government should introduce tax exemptions on some specific medicines or active pharmaceutical ingredients, eliminate or reduce custom duties on pharmaceutical products and reduce the rate of value-added tax (VAT) to pharmaceutical products or specific medicines among others.
Keywords: Competitive Advantage, Government Policies, Performance, Pharmaceutical Firms, tax policies