Abstract
Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) are undeniably playing a significant role in the economic development of many countries globally. This role performed by the SMEs has been distracted by the global pandemic COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The pandemic brought about lockdown, movement restrictions, market closure, social distancing, etc. Thus, these restrictions and controls of the movement have particularly affected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This study aims to examine the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the financial performance small and medium scale business in Yobe State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. Data were obtained through a questionnaire administered to 278 SMEs in Keffi Nasarawa State. The data were analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis using SPSS. The findings of the study indicate owners/managers of SMEs that participated in the study rated the variables of COVID-19 (lockdown, movement restriction, market closure, and social distancing) on a high level. The result further revealed that all the variables in the study correlate with SME's performance. Interestingly, the findings indicate three variables have a significant positive effect on SME's performance, the highest among is the market closure, followed by movement restriction and lockdown accordingly. While social distancing shows no significant effect on SME's performance. Therefore, it is recommended that proactive plans should be put in place for SMEs in anticipation of events such as COVID-19 that can hurt businesses. Finally, future research should consider other related variables that have not been considered in this study.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Nigeria is unquestionably one of Sub-Saharan Africa's major economies1. While she is heavily reliant on oil, her economy is bolstered by pockets of global entities that include almost all sectors of the economy, including multinational corporations with offices in the region, indigenous firms, and a vast number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are non-affiliated, self-contained businesses with less than a defined number of employees. This figure differs by country. In the European Union, the most common upper limit for defining a SME is 250 workers. However, some countries restrict the number of workers to 200, while the US considers SMEs to be companies with less than 500 employees.Small businesses typically have less than 50 employees, while micro-businesses have no more than 10, and in some cases no more than 5, employees.The Central Bank of Nigeria described SMEs in its monetary policies circular No. 22 of 1988 as businesses with an annual turnover of less than five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000). The National Policy on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has made a strong distinction between enterprises dependent on jobs and assets for the sake of transparency.SMEs are businesses that can be classified based on their capital, project scope and expense, annual turnover, financial strength, and employee count, among other factors.
Nigeria has over 37.07 million micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 84 percent of total employment in the region, according to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. According to the ministry, MSME businesses in Nigeria account for about 48.5 percent of the country's GDP, as well as 7.27 percent of all goods and services exported out of the country.Micro companies make up the majority of SMEs in Nigeria, accounting for 36,994,578 (roughly 99.8%), with small businesses accounting for 68,168 and medium businesses accounting for 4,670. Lagos State, Oyo State, and Kano State are the top three states in Nigeria with the most SMEs.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Corona viruses are a group of viruses that infect both animals and humans and belong to the Coronaviridae family. Human corona viruses may cause mild illness, equivalent to a common cold, or more serious illness (such as MERS – Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and SARS – Extreme Acute Respiratory Syndrome) (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). In December 2019, a new corona-virus that had never been seen in humans before was discovered in Wuhan, china.Respiratory conditions such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath are signs and symptoms. Infection can lead to pneumonia, extreme acute respiratory syndrome, and even death in the most severe cases.When coughing or sneezing, shield the nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or disposable towel, and avoid physical contact with someone who has a fever and cough, according to standard guidelines.WHO is working with global scientists, governments, and allies to quickly increase scientific awareness about this emerging virus and to offer timely guidance about how to protect people's health and keep the disease from spreading. Prior to the importation of COVID-19 into Nigeria, the government established a “Corona-virus preparedness team” through the country's leading public health organisation, NCDC ( Nigeria Centre for Disease Control).Nigeria is one of the top thirteen countries listed as having a high chance of importing COVID-19, based on either a direct connection or an indirect link or strong amount of traffic to and from China.
The livelihoods of many traders and small business owners are in jeopardy as the COVID-19 threatens to cause havoc. According to a new Goldman Sachs poll, 50% of company owners say they don't believe they'll be able to keep their operations going for longer than three months.Business owners are facing many challenges, including ensuring that the companies in which they have invested their blood, sweat, and tears continue to operate. On top of that, all of them have workers to defend and reassure, which is a monumental challenge because they themselves are burnt out.COVID-19 continues to have an effect on companies and how they work, ranging from the closure of productions/operations to a decrease in customer trust. Corona Virus has had an undeniable negative effect on companies all around the world.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
To find out if the Corona Virus (COVID 19)has any effect on Nigeria's or small and medium-sized enterprises.
To learn if the Corona Virus (COVID 19) has had a positive effect on Nigerian or small and medium-sized enterprises.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- Did corona virus have any impact on or small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria?
- Did corona virus positively affect or small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this research work focus on the impact of Covid 19 on small and medium businesses and also other researchers, intellectuals, and students who wish to conduct related research will find this useful.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
This research work focus solely on the impact of covid 19 on small and medium businesses, The study was carried out in keffi, Nasarawa state.
1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY
Finance was challenging during the course of this study, lack of material and time limitations were also challenges the researcher faced.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
CORONA-VIRUS: Corona-viruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS).
SMEs: SMEs or small and medium-sized enterprises are defined differently in various parts of the world. The specified size of a SMEs is determined by the country in which a business operates. Depending on the country, a company's size or classification as an SMEs may be dependent on a variety of factors. Annual revenue, the number of employees, the amount of assets held by the firm, market capitalization, or any combination of these features are among the characteristics.
