BANK RECAPITALIZATION AND SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALES ENTERPRISE IN NIGERIA (A study of selected small and medium scale enterprise in Lagos metropolis)

ABSTRACT

This research work examined bank recapitalization and small and medium scales enterprise in Nigeria. There is dearth of financial institutions which cater for long and medium term credit needs of businesses operating in the economy. SMEs are no exceptions to these, and they suffer a great deal for want of capital for development and expansion of the economic survival of the country. Data collected was analysed using chi-square technique and tabulated. The Data gathered from the field was analysed on statistic package for social sciences (SPSS) in other to enhance data collection and obtain accurate and concrete information about the study. Findings from this study show that bank re-capitalization has led to the increase of funds to SMEs. It is evident that there are lending programs for small and medium scale industries. It is evident that bank requires a feasibility study of the proposed project before granting loans. In organisations, it shows that small and medium enterprises equity investment schemes (SEMEEIS) have positive effect on SSE and the economy in general. Similarly, loan granted to it contributed to the growth of the business. Bank recapitalization has led to market expansion. Banks comply with the minimum credit allocation to SSEs as required by the CBN through its guidelines which stipulates that they should set aside 10% of their profit before tax for SSEs. The study concludes that the recapitalization exercise experienced in Nigeria played a significant role in banks‟ capital base as well as restoring confidence among banks‟ customers and thus improves business transactions. The study recommends that The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should put in place a stronger banking supervision department to sustain the performance of the banking and recapitalization policies in the banking industry in Nigeria. Interest which deters people with genuine business ideas should be reduced to a bearable level so as to make borrowing cheaper.  All administrative bottle necks which make funds inaccessible to small and medium scale enterprises operators should be mitigated. The Central Bank of Nigeria should as a matter of urgency compel all other commercial banks to adhere strictly to banking policies and regulations. Finally, Prospective business operators should conduct extensive feasibility studies to evaluate the viability of any proposed business to avoid investment in unprofitable ventures.

KEYWORDS:   ORGANISATIONS, BANK RECAPITALIZATION, SEMEEIS, CONSOLIDATION, SMEs, COMMERCIAL BANKS, CBN, GROWTH RATE.