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 Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged N800 billion campaign fund diversion.
The organisation is seeking to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 million from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to finance political and campaign activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, but no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the claims that the governors channelled public funds into a dedicated campaign account allegedly meant to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC on any contributions made to such a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
In addition, SERAP wants the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and the sources of political donations.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic governance.
The organisation argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major avenue for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
It maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
In the suit filed by its lawyers, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the reported diversion of public resources for campaign activities warrants immediate action by INEC under its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The group stated: “The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP further argued: “The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”
The organisation said large-scale public financial allocations, combined with weak oversight and limited transparency, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its investigative powers.
Referring to Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP noted that the law empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and impose sanctions where violations occur.
The organisation explained that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed prescribed limits are liable to penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
SERAP also contended that campaign financing derived from public resources distorts electoral competition and violates constitutional principles guaranteeing free, fair and transparent elections.
According to SERAP, INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate allegations that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates seeking to contest the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body announced that parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, to complete the process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial cut-off date.
Explaining the decision, INEC said the extension followed appeals from political parties that had encountered difficulties meeting the deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the request was formally conveyed through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
According to him, IPAC sought additional time on behalf of parties that were yet to complete the submission of their candidates’ details through the commission’s portal.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Mr Haruna stated.
INEC noted that the extension is intended to give all eligible parties a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process while remaining within the framework of the law.
The commission also urged political parties to utilise the extra period to finalise and upload all required information ahead of the revised deadline.
“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
