Economy
Accelerating Potential of Nigerian SMEs
By Timi Olubiyi, PhD
As businesses grow, many decisions come to bear, from marketing to funding, expansion, investments, operations, logistics, staffing, technology adoption, and so on, all to enhance business productivity. Without a doubt, just like individuals make poor choices and bad decisions, businesses do too.
Business leaders and entrepreneurs make bad decisions not because they are not clever or experienced but because they are humans. Certainly, humans are never perfect decision-makers at all; a bad decision can occur once in a while or repeatedly, and such is the case with business leaders, entrepreneurs, top management, and/or owner-managers of businesses around as well.
As important as decision-making is in business operations, the good news is that business failures have been identified largely to be due to poor decision-making by operators, owners, or business managers. Why is this good news? Understanding the major cause of past business failures could help restrain many entrepreneurs or businesses from repeating this error clearly. Since poor decision-making has been identified as a major concern for business sustainability, making a good choice most time is important for any business, though this can be argued.
In business, no matter the structure in place, decision-making is key and is one of the main indicators of a high-performing business or one of the indicators of how healthy a business is. Remember, not having a decision-making process is in itself a decision on its own.
I have observed keenly that a large number of businesses, be they large or small in Nigeria, particularly the ones in the industrialized States and areas, relish taking shortcuts as a normal practice, and they hardly ever have an articulated decision-making process within their businesses.
It is rather worse in small-scale businesses where decision-making could be the sole responsibility of the operators or business owners. In fact, in small-scale businesses, the most common cause of poor decision is that the operators are so dominant with excessive managerial control that they see decision-making as their sole right without any recourse to the ideas or opinions of employees or others. This is the big issue really.
Furthermore, no initiative or contributions from employees and subordinates are ever considered, key decision-making is never participatory, and this sometimes leads to business concerns. A decision-making responsibility before, during, and after any implementation of a task in a business should not be the entire decision of the business owners. Playing the obvious role of the sole expert in all departments, units, and concerns of the business operations by the owners is never sustainable but damaging; this action has been captured as one of the major causes of the incidence of widespread business failures amongst small -scale businesses in the country.
A good decision can enable a business to thrive and survive long-term, while a poor decision can lead a business into failure. A common behaviour of leaving things to chance when decisive action ought to be taken is also a poor decision, which can bring huge consequences on the business.
This worrying development amongst small-scale business operators has cost many their fortune, particularly with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), which has been impacting the economy and businesses negatively. It should be a time for decision-making for businesses and not a time to operate aloof. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the world and also signalled a new era for businesses. Therefore, there is a need for business operators to take strategic decisions, most notably in the manufacturing, retail, and service sectors, due to technology disruptions.
Yet business operators in these mentioned sectors disregard this all-important activity. The failure of any business or venture to make good and quality decisions could be a result of many factors, such as inexperience, lack of time, stress, overwork, and pressure from stakeholders, among others. All these can lead to poor decision-making and the eventual failure of any business. The quality of decisions in any business directly impacts its performance and overall business outcomes.
Small business operators should understand that it is healthy for staff to disagree over decisions if the views defer. It only helps to make a proper and effective decision for the business at the end of the day. Leaders should purposefully create a culture where debate and disagreement are welcome.
Remember, decision-making is the action or process of thinking through possible options and uncertain outcomes and selecting the best option concerning the business. This decision-making could bother on marketing, financing, customer satisfaction, investment, and technology usage in the business.
It is often shocking that once-known and thriving businesses can suddenly go under and cease to operate as a result of what most times seem to be poor decision-making and mismanagement. In the case of big and widely known multinational businesses like Kodak, Nokia, Motion Blackberry, and Motorola, the management ignored the shift in technology and failed to be decisive in their decision making particularly on innovations, until it was too late despite the vantage position.
Though Nigeria has a tough operating environment and harsh economic factors, however, many of the small businesses and start-ups in the real estate, retail, manufacturing, corner shops, and service sectors, among others, have lost their relevancies due to poor or lack of prompt decision-making.
For instance, just on Ogudu road via Ojota in Lagos State, businesses that were once the toast of teeming residences and customers, such as Cherries superstore, Terminal 3 restaurant, CCD stores, and The Mr Biggs eatery Ogudu branch have all now remained permanently closed, failed, sold off or shut down to what seems to be poor decision making from the management. This is the fate of so many of the medium-small scale businesses in Lagos State and, indeed, Nigeria. They disappear after a few years of operations and never grow to become intergenerational businesses.
One of the worst things to do in business is to ignore customers’ preferences, revolutionary innovations and also fail to adapt to changes within the business environment as quickly as possible. The high business mortality rate in Nigeria is mainly due to these reasons. Entrepreneurs and operators try to protect what they already have going for them instead of having a decision-making process that can always suggest innovation and ways of doing things better to meet and surpass customers’ expectations.
Many businesses still follow this rigid path, particularly in the manufacturing, services, and retail businesses, lacking the foresight of the advent of online presence, e-commerce, and technological shift occasioned by COVID-19. In my view, businesses need to have a sound decision-making policy that is in tune with the current realities of aggressive social media and internet usage. We have experienced a major cultural shift in customers’ behaviour with COVID-19, and businesses need a decision-making process to review their activities from time to time. This will help to adapt to the economic and environmental changes accordingly.
Multiple studies have suggested that engaging employees in the decision-making process can impact businesses positively, make them more committed to business success, have stronger connections with the businesses, increase engagements and also help produce higher quality results.
Therefore, building a participatory decision-making culture is recommended for businesses, particularly small-scale businesses at this time. This strategy will more than likely improve the competitive position and effectiveness of the management, operators, and business owners. Because making decisions is a critical component of effective leadership, hence involving employees in the process will help businesses make better decisions.
Let the truth be told, inexpensive and reasonable businesses built around clothing, housing, potable water, medical care, education, home essentials, shopping and food items will always have economic demands. Thus, as much as the adequate and proper decision-making process or policy is in place, that should give the needed competitive advantage and make businesses not to ordinarily fail. Good luck!
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Dr Timi Olubiyi is an Entrepreneurship & Business Management expert with a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University Nigeria. He is a prolific investment coach, seasoned scholar, Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) registered capital market operator. He can be reached on the Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email: [email protected], for any questions, reactions, and comments.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Low-income earners and other retail investors willing to lock in their funds in government securities have been given another opportunity to purchase the FGN savings bonds.
The Debt Management Office (DMO), which sells the debt instrument on behalf of the Nigerian government, is calling for subscription for the January exercise.
It is the first for 2026 and according to the agency’s programme, the retail bonds would be sold in the first week of each of the months of this year.
The organisation is offering the bonds in two tenors of two years and three years, with the former being sold at a coupon of 14.396 per cent per annum and the latter at 14.396 per cent annum.
Subscription for the exercise opened on Monday, January 12, 2026, and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, a circular from the DMO confirmed.
Business Post reports that interest on the bonds would be paid to bondholders every quarter till maturity.
Investors can purchase the retail bonds at a unit price of N1,000 subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum of N50 million.
The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria
They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act. They also qualify as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act (CITA) and Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) for exemption for pension funds, amongst other investors.
The bonds further qualify as a liquid asset for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.
After they are sold to investors, they would be listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited to allow for trades for early exit if the holder intends to liquidate before maturity.
Money sitting in limbo doesn’t do anyone any good. That’s the simple truth driving South Africa’s big change toward faster digital payment systems. When funds take days to clear, people can’t spend them, businesses can’t reinvest them, and the whole economy slows down while everyone waits.
Because of this, payment speed has become one of the most important factors in how South Africans choose which platforms to trust with their money.
The reality is, South Africa sits at an interesting crossroads. Better financial infrastructure than most African countries, yet millions of people still don’t have decent access to traditional banking. That creates tension and opportunity simultaneously.
And this is why digital payments are changing faster than predictions suggested. When someone can receive money in minutes instead of days, everything changes. They spend sooner. They save smarter. And they actually trust the platforms handling their cash.
Why Payment Speed Matters So Much
Here’s the thing about payout speed. It signals reliability in ways that marketing never can. When a platform pays you fast, you believe it actually has money and knows what it’s doing. Slow payouts make people nervous. They start wondering if something went wrong or if the company is struggling financially.
This pattern shows up everywhere you look. Retail e-commerce sites have figured out that processing refunds quickly reduces complaints and keeps customers coming back. Mobile money services compete hard on transaction speed. The online gaming sector has caught on, and especially online casinos that rely heavily on trust.
The fastest payout casinos in South Africa have built strong user bases specifically because they process withdrawals fast, rather than making people wait around for days. When real money is on the line, nobody wants to wait.
Mobile Payments Changed Everything
Mobile payments in South Africa have absolutely exploded over the last few years. Statista reckons the digital payments market will keep growing substantially through 2028. Smartphones have basically become the bank for millions of South Africans who used to deal entirely in cash or stash money with informal savings groups.
This shift is way bigger than most people realise. Mobile platforms process transactions almost instantly. Traditional banks often made people wait for things to clear. Mobile money cuts through most of that.
Someone selling vegetables at a street market can get paid, confirm the money arrived, and use those funds for their next purchase within minutes. That kind of speed keeps money circulating and stimulates activity at the ground level.
Fintech Companies Are Pushing Hard
South African fintech startups have figured out that speed wins customers. Digital lending platforms now disburse loans within hours of approval. Gig economy payment systems have moved toward instant payouts for drivers and delivery workers who genuinely cannot afford to wait until the end of the month.
Every sector that touches consumer finance has felt the pressure to get faster.
This competition works out well for regular users. When platforms have to compete on speed, they invest in better technology. They streamline their verification processes. They partner with payment processors that can actually move money quickly.
The result is an environment where slow payouts increasingly signal that something is outdated or unreliable.
Government Benefits and Remittances
The South African government has been testing faster ways to get social grants and benefits to people. The fact is, digital payment infrastructure has made public fund distribution way more efficient across several African countries.
When grants hit accounts instantly instead of making people physically collect them, recipients save time, and honestly, they’re safer too.
Cross-border remittances are another area where speed makes a huge difference. South Africa has loads of migrant workers who send money home to their families regularly. Traditional remittance channels used to take days and hit you with hefty fees.
Digital alternatives now offer same-day transfers at much lower costs. That efficiency means more money actually reaches the families who need it instead of getting eaten up by fees and delays.
The Psychology Behind Quick Payments
There’s something deeper going on with fast payouts beyond just convenience. Speed builds trust in ways people don’t always consciously recognise. When you get paid quickly, you feel confident that the platform is legitimate and financially stable.
Delays create doubt. You start questioning whether something went wrong or whether the company might be in trouble.
This trust compounds over time. Users who experience fast, reliable payouts become loyal customers. They recommend platforms to their friends. They deposit larger amounts because they know withdrawing won’t be a nightmare.
Platforms that master payout speed build user bases that competitors find very hard to steal.
What Happens Next
The direction seems pretty clear. Payment speed across all sectors of South Africa’s digital economy will keep getting faster. Infrastructure investments from fintech companies and government institutions should reduce friction even more.
As more South Africans get smartphones and access to mobile banking, demand for instant transactions will only grow.
The platforms that succeed will be the ones treating payout speed as essential rather than optional. Whether they’re processing e-commerce refunds, gig worker payments, or gaming withdrawals, the operators that move money fastest will capture the market. South Africa is proving that speed is how users measure whether a platform deserves their trust.
The crypto market is no longer being dictated by speculation and trends of trading in the short run. With the evolution of digital assets, investors demand more structured, data-driven and technology-supported strategies that are more stable, transparent, and have long-term potential. With all these changes, platforms with built-in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-end hashing infrastructure are altering the way crypto participation operates.
SJMine is at the heart of this change. Created to empower the modern investors, SJMine offers an up-to-date and polished crypto-investing experience of automation, smart analytics, and adaptable investment design to enable users to strategically engage in the digital economy.
A New Standard for Strategic Crypto Participation
The investors of today require a higher level of access to digital assets than just a basic one. They desire systems that are capable of responding to market signals, adapting the conditions of the network, and functioning on a large scale. To satisfy this need, SJMine implements AI-based market intelligence within its operations.
The platform dynamically manages the allocation of hashing and computing performance by the use of continuous data analysis. This smart automation provides freedom to the users to control hardware, technical measurements, or manually react to market changes. Rather, the investors have access to a professionally managed environment whereby technology labors tirelessly behind the scenes to bring about consistency and efficiency.
How SJMine Redefines Investor Experience
SJMine is a building that is planned to be very accessible and sophisticated. The platform eliminates any technical obstacles in tradition and supports infrastructure at an enterprise level. The cloud computing system allows it to perform smoothly and its AI-based systems would make sure that the resources are used optimally at any given time.
Key strengths of the SJMine ecosystem include:
- AI-Driven Optimization: Intelligent algorithms analyze performance data and adjust operations dynamically.
- High-Performance Hashing Systems: Advanced infrastructure supports efficient blockchain participation.
- User-Friendly Interface: A clean, intuitive dashboard provides real-time insights into earnings and contract status.
- Sustainability Focus: Optimized energy usage and modern data centers support responsible long-term operations.
- Transparent Returns: Clearly defined contract terms with visible daily earnings.
This mixture is what renders SJMine appropriate to simple new investors as well as sophisticated investors who want efficiency and scalability.
Flexible Contracts Built for Diverse Investment Goals
SJMine has diverse flexible contracts that can be used to meet various budgets and investment schedule. Long-term strategic decisions or short-term plans are well developed with simple and predictable results.
Below is an overview of the flexible contract plans available on SJMine:
| Contract Amount | Contract Duration | Daily Earnings | Total Income (Principal + Profit) |
| $15 | 1 Day | $0.60 | $15 + $0.60 |
| $100 | 2 Days | $4.00 | $100 + $8.00 |
| $600 | 6 Days | $7.68 | $600 + $46.08 |
| $1,200 | 10 Days | $16.32 | $1,200 + $163.20 |
| $3,200 | 22 Days | $45.44 | $3,200 + $999.68 |
| $9,000 | 30 Days | $147.60 | $9,000 + $4,428.00 |
For the most accurate and up-to-date contract information, investors are encouraged to refer directly to the official SJMine website: http://sjmine.com.
Getting Started: Simple Registration with a Welcome Bonus
SJMine puts a lot of emphasis on ease of access, and the process of onboarding is quick and simple. It can take a few minutes before new users start getting acquainted with the platform.
How to register on SJMine:
- Visit the official website at http://sjmine.com
- Click on Register and create your account by entering basic details
- Complete the verification process and log in to your dashboard
- Register now and receive a $15 welcome bonus, allowing you to experience the platform with minimal initial risk
- Select a contract that matches your investment strategy and activate it
AI-Powered Market Intelligence: The Core Advantage
SJMine is a unique company with its AI-based market intelligence that is constantly analyzing the performance of the blockchain and the conditions of the network. This dynamic flexibility leads to better utilization of resources, minimization of inefficiencies, and a more intelligent, and sturdier approach to investing in the crypto market of the current era that is rapidly changing.
Conclusion
SJMine is a new view of strategic crypto investment in a world where intelligent automation is the new competitive advantage. The platform provides a modern and visionary solution to the current investors by integrating AI-related analytics, cloud computing infrastructure, flexible contract choice, and user-friendly design.
SJMine is an attractive proposal to invest in with confidence in the new technology-driven approach provided that investors are willing to abandon the old paradigm and shift to a smarter approach to crypto economy investment.
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