The impact of commercial banks activites on small and medium enterprises in Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria credit has been recognized as an essential tool for promoting Small and Medium Enterprises since over 70 percent of the population are engaged in the informal sector. Thus, the government have recognized that for sustainable growth and development, the financial empowerment of the rural areas is vital being repository of SMEs. It is against this background that this paper seeks to examine the impact of commercial banks activities on SMEs in Nigeria Consistent with the objective, hypothesis was formulated. The population and the sample of the study were all the Commercial banks in Nigeria. The study utilized data from secondary source. Data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Statistical bulletin. The time frame for the study is eighteen (18) years, covering the period of 1993 to 2010. The technique of analysis used in testing the data was Linear Regression Analysis. We concluded that even though commercial banks activities such as giving out loans and receiving deposits have positive impact on SMEs, there is room for the Commercial banks to gear more of its activities towards SMEs development in Nigeria. The study calls on appropriate authority such as the government to ensure the consistency of policies that will enhance SMEs development. Similarly, the Regulatory Authority and the Bankers Committee should encourage activities by Commercial banks to provide adequate funding to SMEs through SMEEIS.