General
Taking Nigerian Small Businesses to Paradise
In the last 40 years, small business owners and entrepreneurs have been receiving greater recognition as drivers of economic growth all over the word. It has become a given that, to achieve long-term economic growth and prosperity, participation from entrepreneurs is very important. Small businesses have contributed to job creation, economic growth and poverty reduction.
As we have seen in Nigeria in the last two decades, entrepreneurship is a driving force within the economy because of entrepreneurs’ innovative nature, among other factors. In developed economies, corporations and large capital significantly determine the extent of scientific, technical and production potential.
In third world countries with a market economy system, small enterprises are the most common, dynamic and flexible form of business life. In Nigeria, they contribute in stabilising the political climate. Yet not every small business will flourish
Why Small Businesses Fail in Nigeria, a seven-chapter book written by Ayodele Ajayi, provides sufficient facts why entrepreneurs in the country pack up after a while. In knowing the hidden pitfalls, as outlined by the author, the writer creates a veritable platform for small businesses to reinvent themselves and blossom.
Ajayi educates all that there is a probabilistic indicator to show that not all businesses in Nigeria surpass their first anniversary. This sounds like a spoiler alert, but the author links this to the inability to overcome teething problems and other avoidable mistakes.
Talking from experience, Ajayi, whose entrepreneurial journey has been like a yo-yo experience, says his substantial investment and unwavering effort in the paint business didn’t yield the much-expected dividends when he set out. Why Small Businesses Fall in Nigeria, therefore, seeks to empower the reader and the entrepreneur with a weapon to navigate the intricacies of Nigeria’s business environment. It is also beneficial for big businesses.
In the first chapter, Ajayi paints a realistic picture of Nigerian entrepreneurship beyond the hype on some success stories. “When considering starting a small business, one of the first decisions you must make is whether to operate online, offline, or a combination of both,” writes Ajayi.
He points out that the reality of entrepreneurship is far less glamorous than many anticipate, part of which includes supporting the lives of team members and other partners involved in the business. He recommends that, before setting out, you must study the business environment of the country, because the reality of doing business in Nigeria differs with many factors he outlined in the book (read the book).
Part of the reasons for business failures include inappropriate location, hence: “A solution to that problem may be to change the location to a more strategic area with a higher demand for the business’s products or services. The structure of the business can also make or mar it.” Another reason is faulty operation. Ajayi stresses the importance of learning from others, for nobody knows it all.
The author zeroes in on the pitfalls that crumble businesses in Nigeria. Understanding and answering the purpose of your business, he says, will help the entrepreneur navigate and avoid the landmine. Expertise is also important. The author makes a case for implementing effective corporate governance.
Explaining in detail the common reasons for small business failures in Nigeria, the author highlights inadequate market research, poor management of business resources, poor cash flow management, wrong expansion, poor marketing and sales skills.
Offering practical steps to follow to navigate these pitfalls, the author advises business owners to be disciplined, detach themselves from the businesses, plan and execute well, learn continuously, build a strong network and stay financially savvy. He encourages entrepreneurs to guide against having a single product or service in Nigeria, develop excellent customer service, and adapt to market trends. Unlike Easy Taxi that crumbled in Nigeria, the author cites Mega Chicken as one that has successfully stood out in a competitive food market.
The fourth chapter of the book emphasises on financial management. “Financial management is a necessary skill for every business, because it deals with how you account for your money,” says the author. who goes on to furnish us with basic financial concepts that relate to small business in Nigeria.
These include budgeting, cash flow management, investment management, debt management, financial planning, risk management, bookkeeping. The book furnishes the reader with strategies for securing funding and managing debts effectively. It arms us with the right resources for maintaining financial support, literacy and mentorship in Nigeria.
Ajayi, in the fifth chapter, teaches the power of marketing and sales. This is very important. You may have a good product yet it is not selling. Like he has done throughout the book, he offers practical steps for creating a customer-centric approach and building brand loyalty, including but not limited to personal service, reward system and getting feedback from customers.
The concluding part of the book x-rays the demands of leadership. Without reading this book, you may not appreciate the gems in the publication. I recommend this book to not only businessmen anywhere in the world but those aspiring to have multiple streams of income in Nigeria.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has clarified that the crude oil vessel, MV Skipper, intercepted by the United States Coast Guard, in collaboration with the US Navy for its alleged involvement in crude oil theft and other transnational crimes is not registered in Nigeria.
NIMASA said the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) SKIPPER with IMO Number 9304667 is not a Nigerian-flagged vessel, and its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, are not registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
An analysis of the vessel’s movement carried out NIMASA through its Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4i) Centre showed that the facility was last sighted on Nigerian waters on July 1, 2024.
“After departing Nigerian waters, the vessel continued on its international voyage pattern and was tracked operating in the Arabian Sea (Asia) and later in the Caribbean region, where the US interdiction eventually took place.
“Records indicate that SKIPPER, which was formerly owned by Triton Navigation Corp, has undergone multiple name changes over time.
The Director General of NIMASA, Mr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders, including US authorities, in the ongoing investigations, noting that in a statement that criminality will not be tolerated on Nigerian waters.
Last week, US forces seized an oil tanker carrying a Panama flag believed to be the VLCC Skipper, after satellite imagery showed the vessel secretly loading over 1.8 million barrels of sanctioned Merey crude at Venezuela’s José Terminal.
The vessel had been transmitting falsified AIS positions during the operation, a tactic increasingly used by “dark fleet” tankers tied to Venezuelan and Iranian trades. It was later revealed that the seized tanker Skipper, was carrying crude contracted by Cubametales, Cuba’s state-run oil trading firm.
The seizure of the sanctioned oil tanker has sharply escalated tensions between the US and Venezuela. The US government also said it is preparing to intercept more ships transporting Venezuelan oil.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, “to immediately enforce the judgment compelling and directing him and president Bola Tinubu to widely publish the names of those indicted in the alleged misappropriation of N6 trillion meant to implement the abandoned 13,777 projects and in the running of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2000 and 2019.”
The judgment was delivered on Monday, November 10, 2025, by Justice Gladys Olotu following a Freedom of Information suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1360/2021 brought by SERAP.
The court also ordered Mr Fagbemi and the president “to publish and make available to the public the NDDC forensic audit report submitted to the federal government on September 2, 2021.”
In the letter dated December 13, 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The continuing failure and/or refusal to publicly acknowledge the judgment and immediately enforce it makes a mockery of the country’s legal and judicial processes and the rule of law.”
It warned that the ongoing failure and/or refusal to enforce the judgment is a fundamental breach of both the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and a direct assault on the rule of law.
“Obeying the judgment would reinforce the primacy of the Nigerian Constitution, and the country’s international obligations and show respect for the rule of law.
“The Attorney General is the Chief Law Officer of the Federation and as such has the responsibility to uphold the Nigerian Constitution, advise the government to ensure that its actions conform with judicial decisions, obey the rule of law and generally act in the public interest,” it disclosed.
The group noted that, “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider pursuing contempt proceedings against you to compel you to uphold the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law.”
“SERAP notes the recent public commitments by President Tinubu to ‘improve the welfare of the Niger Delta region and address the challenges facing the region.’ Immediately enforcing the NDDC judgment would ensure the fulfilment of these commitments,” it concluded.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) recently hosted a high-level delegation from Newryton International Industrial Development Company Limited, a leading Chinese investment and industrial development consortium, to advance discussions on deepening bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, and development financing between both countries.
The Newryton delegation, led by Mr David Chen, Assistant Secretary-General of the China Hainan Investment Council, had earlier engaged with the Nigerian Association of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). They were accompanied to the NCSP by Mr Joe Onyuike, Vice-Chairman of NACCIMA’s Agriculture and Livestock Trade Group, who conveyed NACCIMA’s support for the delegation’s engagements.
Discussions centered on the establishment of a Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform, including a proposed Promotion Centre in China to support Nigerian products, investors, and state governments.
The consortium also presented opportunities within Hainan Province’s Free Trade Port (FTP), which offers preferential policies that Nigerian businesses can leverage to expand exports and attract new investments.
In his address on behalf of Newryton, Mr Pong outlined plans to collaborate with NCSP in accessing FOCAC-supported financing for strategic investments in agriculture, energy, mining, solid minerals processing, and related sectors. The delegation identified aquaculture as a key area of interest and referenced the forthcoming Global Aquaculture Conference in Hainan Province, encouraging Nigerian stakeholders to participate.
They also expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation in vocational training and employment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Director-General, Martins Olajide, NCSP’s Head of Internal Operations, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
He highlighted NCSP’s strong interest in the proposed Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform and the development of the Nigerian Oil Palm Industrial Park as a flagship demonstration project.
Also speaking at the meeting, Ms Judy Melifonwu, NCSP’s Head of International Relations, underscored the opportunities presented by China’s zero-tariff policy and the forthcoming NAQS–GACC protocol on the export of Nigerian aquaculture products. She noted that these frameworks would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in emerging global markets.
Both parties expressed commitment to advancing discussions toward a structured cooperation framework covering all priority areas.
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