Gusau Journal of Entrepreneurship Development

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND SATISFACTION IN MULTI-CATEGORY SHOPPING CENTERS: INSIGHTS FROM OBASANJO SHOPPING COMPLEX, MINNA, NIGER STATE

Abubakar Mohammed Agaie , Kabiru Mohammed Madami , Idaomi Taiye Olorunfemi — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Customer experience and satisfaction are recognized as critical drivers of competitiveness in shopping centers worldwide. In Nigeria, multi-category shopping complexes play a growing role in urban retailing, yet challenges such as poor retail atmosphere, inconsistent service quality, and limited retail mix continue to constrain customer satisfaction, loyalty, and spending. This study examined the relationship between customer experience and satisfaction in multi=category shopping centers with insights from Obasanjo Shopping Complex, Minna, Niger State. A survey research design was adopted, with data collected from a simple random sample of 30 shop owners using a structured questionnaire. Content validity was ensured through expert review, while reliability testing using Cronbach’s Alpha produced coefficients above the 0.70 threshold, confirming internal consistency. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The findings revealed significant positive relationships between retail atmosphere and customer satisfaction (r=0.614, p<0.01), service quality and behavioral intentions (r=0.629, p<0.01), and retail mix and in-mall spending (r=0.611, p<0.01). These results indicated that enhancing the retail environment, delivering consistent service quality, and diversifying the retail mix are vital for fostering satisfaction, loyalty, and increased spending. The study concludes that customer experience strategies are essential for improving retail performance in multi-category shopping centers and recommends targeted investments in retail atmosphere, staff training, and assortment planning to strengthen the competitiveness of Obasanjo Shopping Complex.

FREE REGISTRATION SCHEME, TAX INCENTIVE AWARENESS AND PERFORMANCE OF SMEs IN GOMBE STATE

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Looking at the poor growth rate of SMEs in Gombe state compare to national average, it is obvious that the enterprises are facing some institutional challenges among which include lack of legal status and lack of awareness of other government incentives in tax. In view of these, the study examined the impact of free registration scheme and tax incentive awareness on the performance of SMEs in Gombe state. The study adopted survey cross-sectional research design and collected data using primary method through self-administered questionnaire from 166 SMEs operators in Gombe state. The collected data was analyzed using PLS-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). It was found that free registration scheme and tax incentive awareness have significant positive influence on SMEs performance in Gombe state. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that government should sustain and expand the free registration scheme by targeting informal enterprises, rural women and youth entrepreneurs who are often excluded due to lack of awareness. It is also recommended that government should strengthen post-registration support because registration alone is not enough if it does not translate to tangible performance improvement. Hence, there is more need for access to finance programs, capacity building mentorship and market linkage initiatives. Lastly, government should intensify the awareness and sensitization campaign about the free registration initiatives and other tax incentives schemes though community leaders and media channels. This will encourage inclusive participation of micro businesses which help in achieving the goal of the initiatives.

EFFECT OF CASHLESS POLICY ON INSECURITY IN KATSINA STATE NIGERIA

Mukhtar Musa Yahaya, Muhammad Sale — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to examine the effect of cashless policy on insecurity in Katsina State. Using mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative which was collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups discussion with residents of Katsina, security officials, and financial experts. Cashless policy plays a vital role in cubing insecurity in Katsina state; as such the study revealed the real prospects and benefits derived from adopting the policy in the country as well as the level of acceptance by Katsina state dwellers. The policy has had a positive impact on reducing cash-related crimes, but also highlighted some challenges and limitations (shortage of cash in rural areas and increase in cybercrime.). The study recommends that Government should monitor and evaluate the impact of the cashless policy on crime reduction and make adjustments as necessary. Implement measures to address the increase in cybercrime resulting from the policy. Engage with local communities to address concerns and encourage participation in the cashless policy. Foster collaboration between financial institutions, security agencies, and government departments to ensure effective implementation.

IMPACT OF FIELD TRIPS ON TECHNICAL, SOFT, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS ACQUISITION AMONG POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Dr. Mustapha Nmanda Mustapha, Dr. Henry Diko Koce , Dr. Haruna Tanimu Mohammed — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Field trips are a cornerstone of experiential learning, vital for cultivating technical, soft, and entrepreneurial skills in polytechnic students. This study addressed a knowledge gap regarding the influence of field trip duration, type, and preparation on skill development among polytechnic students in North Central Nigeria. Employing a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 415 students using a structured questionnaire (google form), representing a high 95.2% response rate. Analysis, utilizing frequencies, percentages, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, revealed significant positive relationships. Field trip duration showed a very strong positive impact on technical skills acquisition (r=.871, p=.0001). Field trip type demonstrated an exceptionally strong positive influence on soft skills development (r=.898, p=.000). Furthermore, a strong positive relationship existed between field trip preparation and entrepreneurial intentions (r=.903, p=.0001). The study concludes that optimal duration, appropriate types, and comprehensive preparation are indispensable for polytechnic students' holistic skill development and employability. It recommends polytechnics prioritize extended field trip durations, diversify trip types for holistic skill development, and implement robust pre-trip preparation protocols to maximize learning outcomes.

NAVIGATING NEW WATERS: BLUE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL DYNAMICS IN NIGERIA

Ismail Malah Geidam, Pauline Onyeukwu, Nura Suleman Ibrahim — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The Blue Economy paradigm presents emerging economies with transformative opportunities for sustainable development through ocean resource utilization. Nigeria, with extensive marine endowments, seeks to diversify its oil dependent economy through blue growth, yet empirical understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics within this nascent sector remains limited.

Methods: This mixed-methods study employs sequential exploratory design, combining 32 semi-structured interviews with blue economy stakeholders and a survey of 187 entrepreneurial ventures across Nigeria's coastal states. Quantitative data were analysed using structural equation modelling, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 12.

Findings: Three distinct entrepreneurial archetypes emerge: (1) Necessity-driven informal operators (42.8%), primarily in artisanal fisheries; (2) Transitional opportunity-seekers (38.5%) in aquaculture and coastal tourism; and (3) Innovation-oriented ventures (18.7%) in marine biotechnology and waste vaporization. Key constraints include fragmented regulatory frameworks (β = -0.67, p < 0.01), limited blue finance mechanisms (β = -0.59, p < 0.01), and infrastructural deficits in cold chains and port facilities. Entrepreneurial success correlates strongly with social network embeddedness (β = 0.48, p < 0.05) and digital technology adoption (β = 0.52, p < 0.01).

Policy Implications: Findings suggest Nigeria's blue entrepreneurial ecosystem operates in institutional voids, with formal policies poorly aligned with grassroots realities. We propose a tripartite framework for blue entrepreneurial development: regulatory coherence through a single maritime authority, innovative blue financing instruments, and hybrid public-private infrastructure development.

DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND BUSINESS GROWTH: A STUDY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPERATORS IN NIGER STATE

Henry DikoKoce PhD, Alfa Mohammed Danlami, Ph.D, Haruna Tanimu Mohammed, Ph.D — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Digital financial services—particularly mobile banking, mobile money, and fintech platforms are increasingly recognized as critical enablers of MSME performance by reducing transaction costs, expanding market access, and facilitating credit. However, this study examines the relationship between digital financial inclusion and the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Niger State, Nigeria. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 378 MSME operators across the state’s 25 local government areas, selected through multistage sampling. Structured questionnaires measured access to digital finance and business outcomes, with validity confirmed through pilot testing and reliability established via Cronbach’s alpha (α > .70). Regression analysis revealed that digital financial inclusion significantly enhances MSME sales growth, with the model explaining 58.5% of performance variance (R² = .585, F(3,374) = 111.756, p < .001). Mobile banking showed the strongest effect (β = .412, p < .001), followed by mobile money (β = .365, p < .001) and fintech platforms (β = .298, p < .001). It was concluded that the findings demonstrate that integrated digital finance ecosystems are vital to MSME resilience, liquidity, and expansion. The study recommends that banks and telecom policy providers should double their efforts to strengthen mobile banking infrastructure, enhance mobile money usability, and promote fintech adoption alongside financial literacy and consumer protection measures.

MARKETING IN THE SHADOWS: INFORMAL BRANDING STRATEGIES OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN PREDATION-BASED ECONOMIES OF NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Bello Taofik Abidemi , Fatima Sani Stores — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The rise of organized banditry in Northwestern Nigeria has created predation-based informal economies, where formal governance is weak, and conventional branding can expose small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to extortion and violence. This study investigates how informal SMEs construct and leverage “shadow brands”—informal, relational, and symbolic reputational mechanisms that substitute for formal branding—to sustain customer loyalty and ensure business continuity. Anchored in institutional voids theory and relational branding literature, the study employs an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design: 45 qualitative interviews identify core shadow branding strategies, and a survey of 480 informal entrepreneurs quantitatively tests the effects of reputation signals on customer loyalty and business continuity using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Findings reveal that relational identity, moral performance, and operational consistency function as critical substitutes for conventional brand markers, with customer loyalty mediating the relationship between reputation signals and business continuity (β = 0.33, p < 0.001). The study advances marketing theory by conceptualizing shadow branding as a viable, context-sensitive alternative to formal branding in fragile economies and provides actionable insights for SMEs, policymakers, and development practitioners operating under conditions of chronic insecurity.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL HALAL ECONOMY STRATEGY: PATHWAYS TO COMPETITIVENESS, EXPORT DIVERSIFICATIONAND INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The global Halal economy has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing economic systems, projected to reach US$3.4 trillion by 2028. Despite possessing one of the world’s largest populations, substantial livestock assets, and expanding Islamic finance architecture, Nigeria captures only 0.14% of global halal agri-food exports. In 2024 alone, Nigeria’s domestic halal spending reached US$87.7 billion, yet exports stood at merely US$380 million, highlighting a major competitiveness gap. In response, the Government of Nigeria developed the Nigerian National Halal Economy Strategy, in partnership with Halal Products Development Company of Saudi Arabia (HPDC) (subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund), Dar Al Halal Group Nigeria, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and BADEA. The Strategy aims to transform Nigeria into Africa’s leading halal production and export hub through a nationally harmonized certification system, infrastructure expansion, Islamic-finance-driven industrialization, and regulatory alignment with SMIIC global Halal standards.This paper provides the first academic evaluation of the Strategy, offering a holistic analysis of its design, theoretical underpinnings, potential economic impact, and implications for competitiveness, FDI attraction, and inclusive growth. Using institutional theory, global value chain (GVC) theory, the resource-based view (RBV), and policy coherence frameworks, the study interrogates the Strategy’s capacity to improve Nigeria’s export readiness, quality assurance capabilities, and integration into OIC markets. It also draws lessons from other Halal-leading countries—Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, and Thailand.

The paper adopts a qualitative-dominant mixed method, using document analysis, stakeholder interviews, comparative country benchmarking, and thematic evaluation of governance and implementation structures. Findings indicate that Nigeria’s Halal Strategy—if effectively implemented—could catalyze over US$12.6 billion in additional Halal-economy value by 2030, strengthen food security, boost non-oil exports, and attract Islamic FDI into agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, logistics, and tourism. The study concludes with policy recommendations for achieving global competitiveness and positioning Nigeria as a continental Halal hub.

EFFECTS OF MACROECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS ON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST SCHEME (REITS) RETURNS: THE KENYA EXPERIENCE

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the nexus between volatilities in macroeconomic variables and real Estate investment trust scheme (REITs) returns in Kenya within the period 2013-2022.The specific objectives of the study were to determine the relationship between credit to private sector; gross domestic product (GDP); inflation rate (IFR); volatility in interest rates (VIR); exchange rate fluctuation (EXRF); and money supply (MSUP) fluctuation; and stock returns of REITs in Kenya. To examine the cause-effect relationships between the dependent variable and independent variables, the study employed the panel fixed and random effect regression technique to analyse panel data set obtained from IdRatios Nigeria, compiled from the relevant statistical records including the selected stock exchange fact books and concerned firms’ annual financial reports for the period. The findings reveal that; GDP growth (GDPG) and exchange rate (EXRT) had a significant positive effect; whilecredit to the private sector (CRPS, inflation rate (INFR), interest rate (INTR) and money supply (MSUPY) did not have a significant effect on REITS returns Kenya economy. The study concludes that, unlike in more developed markets, where interest rates play a crucial role in asset returns, other factors especially GDP growth rate and exchange rate had more influence in shaping REITs performance in Kenya as an emerging market. The study strongly recommends, among others, that the Government of Kenya and private policy-makers prioritize economic policies that promote sustainable economic growth as this indirectly supports the real estate and REITs markets in the country.

EFFECT OF OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE ON EARNINGS MANAGEMENT OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

AMBIKYA, Nathan, PHILEMON, UtenIdimisire, SAM-ALENG, Murna — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined effect of ownership structure on earnings management of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria, forthe period of eleven years from 2014 to 2024. The study made use of expo-factor research design and secondary data were used to source information from eleven (11) selected companies out of the forty-seven (47) listed manufacturing companies from the Nigeria exchange group as at 31^st December 2024. POLS was used as an analytical technique to regress the data collected for the study together with descriptive and Spearman correlation. Major findings from the result of the study suggest thatManagerial ownership have an insignificant negative impact on earnings management it also revealed thatinstitutional ownership has no significant effect on earnings management. On the other hand, the results of the study revealed that ownership concentration has a negative impact on earnings management. Thus, following from the findings of this study the study recommends that, that it would be in the best interest of companies to increase its institutional equity holdings, associating the interests of the manager with the common benefit of the company reduces the separation of ownership and control of the manager lastly a decrease in concentrated shareholding.

IMPACT OF INSECURITY ON THE NIGERIAN ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENT

Nura Suleman Ibrahim , Pauline Onyeukwu , Bashir Mahmood Baffa — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This conceptual paper examines the multifaceted relationship between insecurity and the entrepreneurial environment in Nigeria, a context characterized by diverse security challenges including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and militancy. Drawing on a comprehensive review of empirical and theoretical literature spanning 2015-2025, we develop an integrated conceptual framework that explicates the mechanisms through which insecurity undermines entrepreneurial activities, business sustainability, and economic development. The paper identifies five primary pathways of impact: (1) direct destruction of physical and human capital, (2) disruption of business operations and market access, (3) erosion of investor confidence and capital flight, (4) increased operational costs and resource diversion, and (5) psychological impacts on entrepreneurial behavior. We synthesize theoretical perspectives from structural violence theory, frustration-aggression theory, and entrepreneurial ecosystem theory to explain these relationships. The framework reveals that insecurity creates a vicious cycle where business failures exacerbate unemployment and poverty, potentially fueling further insecurity. We propose a dynamic conceptual model that accounts for regional variations, sectoral differences, and the moderating role of entrepreneurial resilience strategies. The paper contributes to entrepreneurship theory by extending understanding of extreme environmental constraints and offers practical implications for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development practitioners seeking to foster entrepreneurial development in conflict-affected contexts. Our analysis underscores the critical need for integrated security and economic development policies to break the insecurity-poverty cycle and create enabling environments for entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH NEXUS IN NIGERIA

Egor Hikarofem Ise, Chilokwu Chioma Glory , Lebechukwu David Ugochukwu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines human capital development and economic growth nexus in Nigeria using ex post facto research design. The study applied an econometric regression technique of the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) to ascertain the effect of macroeconomic growth induced variables on human capital development in Nigeria. Our findings from the cointegrating regression result test suggest that there is strong evidence of cointegration between dependent variable (HCD) and the independent Variables. Thestudy revealed a long-run causal relationship between dependent variable (HCD) and the independent Variables. It could be observed from our findings that the relationship between some of the variables like TGE, TEE, THE, and FDI and human capital development is positive while that of LEI is negative. This means that TGE, TEE, THE, and FDI have direct relationships with human capital development. In other words, an increase in TGE, TEE, THE, and FDI will results to a rise in human capital development whereas an increase in LEI will probably result in a fall in human capital development. In addition, the results show that TGE, TEE, THE, and FDI have statistical significance on human capital development in Nigeria while LEI is statistically insignificance on human capital development. This study therefore recommends that the government should give educational grants, provide vocational training, provide basic health facilities; enhance the competitiveness of the economy. This will avail the country the enhanced entrepreneurial creativity, a suitable, competent, healthy and educated labor force to contribute meaningfully to national development. The government should make adequate budget for education in line with the UNESCO recommendation. This will help facilitate proper administration of financial revenues and other school resources. There is the need for increased government funding for health care. They will help reduce the challenges in healthcare and the increasing medical tourism outside the country and consequently enhance the countries life expectancy. The government should create a secured and business friendly environment to help attract FDI in the country.

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF STANDARDISED PROJECT MANAGERS CHECKLIST ON THE ADOPTION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE TOOLS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

Olayinka Eniolorunda, Oghenefejiro Chokor — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores how standardised project managers checklist influence the adoption and effectiveness of business intelligence tools in the Nigerian banking sector. Business intelligence tools are increasingly adopted by Nigerian banks to gain a competitive edge but do not address the challenges the tool pose. This study adopted a quantitative research design to examine a standardised project management checklist on the adoption and effectiveness of business intelligence tools using a structured questionnaire. A linear regression analysis method was used to analyse the information gathered from respondents and it was found that standardised project manager’s checklist influences the adoption and effectiveness of business intelligence tools. This study concludes that each bank has its own peculiarity and the peculiarity of product offerings and consumer demography should be considered in the adoption of a business tool to ensure its effectiveness

This study contributes to previous research in business intelligence by examining peculiarities in the issues encountered in the use of different business intelligence tools. It was recommended that each bank should use a standard that best fits the Nigerian environment, the bank needs and that of the consumers.

DIFFERENTIAL ITEM FUNCTIONING ANALYSIS OF 2022 AND 2023 ALGEBRA AND ELEMENTARY TRIGONOMETRY EXAMINATIONS AT FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC DAURA, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA.

Shu’aibu Bello Kaseem — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in the Algebra and Elementary Trigonometry examinations administered in 2022 and 2023 at Federal Polytechnic Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. The investigation was motivated by consistently poor student performance in these subjects, characterized by high failure rates and low grades. Using the Mantel–Haenszel procedure and logistic regression, item responses from 110 students were analyzed to identify DIF across gender and socio-economic groups. The results indicated that several items exhibited significant DIF, favoring male students or those from higher socio-economic backgrounds. These findings suggest the influence of construct-irrelevant factors on performance. Recommendations include revising biased items, enhancing instructional methods, and strengthening academic support to ensure equitable assessment practices.