Microfinance Banking and Development of Small Business in Emerging Economy: Nigerian Approach

Abstract

The research study examines the Microfinance Banking and Development of Small Business in emerging economy: Nigerian Approach. The Microfinance Banks (MFBs) serve as an engine through which economic industrial development subsists in Nigeria. MFBs have been involved in the promotion, growth and development of the informal sector and remains heralded strategy for industrial development in emerging economies including Nigeria. The primary source of data was adopted via questionnaire and oral interview. A simple regression was used to address the responses of the respondents gathered though the questionnaire in order to derive logical conclusion for the study. It was however established that MFBs have the capacity to boost economic development in Nigeria through the support of government agency (CBN) to keep them tracked and to be focused on the objectives for which they were established. Also, the reviewing and refining of the National Microfinance development Strategy Policy for MFBs in Nigeria is remarkable and commendable. The paper further recommends that MFBs' operations should be continuously be monitored by the regulatory agency (CBN) in order to adequately address the gap in terms of credit, savings and other financial services required by the micro entrepreneurs. The latent capacity of the poor for entrepreneurship would be significantly enhanced through the provision of microfinance services to enable them engage in economic activities and be more self-reliant, increase employment opportunities, enhanced household income,create wealth etc. Keywords: Small business, Microfinance banks (MFBs), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), Nigeria, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).