Research Article

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGERIA- A LITERATURE SURVEY

Florence Eguonor OMONZEJELE1*, Kennedy Oghenesuvwe OBIRE1
1 Department of Business Administration, Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State.
* Corresponding author: florenceomonzejele@wdu.edu.ng
Published: Dec, 2025
DOI: 10.67894/bbr.2025.y0uhulwm
Pages: 94-108
Views: 12
Downloads: 9

Abstract

This study is a purely Literature survey, employing thematic analysis of factors of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. It provides an in-depth exploration of the environmental constraints that hinder the development of entrepreneurship, critically examining literature on the fundamental challenges entrepreneurs face, including poor infrastructure, inadequate access to funding opportunities, unstable power supply, and inconsistent government policies in the Nigerian setting. The findings reveal how these challenges contribute to high business failure rates, restrict long-term sustainability, and perpetuate economic underdevelopment. To address these challenges, the paper proposes actionable solutions such as the deliberate improvement of infrastructure, the creation of supportive and consistent government policies, enhanced financial inclusion, and the establishment of frameworks that encourage innovation and risk-taking. The predominant objective is to provide a clearer understanding of how these obstacles can be dismantled in order to foster a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship and, by extension, sustainable economic development in Nigeria. 

Keywords

Entrepreneurship Nigeria Constraints Infrastructure Development and Environmental Determinants.

References

  1. Abimbola, O., Agboola, M., & Adejumo, A. (2011). Infrastructural challenges and rural entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 3(2), 45–57.
  2. Adebayo, A., & Oviawe, J. (2016). Environmental barriers to entrepreneurship in developing economies: Evidence from Nigeria. African Journal of Business Management, 10(6), 132–141.
  3. Adebisi, S., & Nkanga, E. (2023). Evaluating SMEDAN's role in Nigeria's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Journal of Development Policy and Practice, 9(1), 84–102.
  4. Adeboye, T., & Ibrahim, M. (2022). Infrastructural deficits and SME competitiveness in Nigeria. International Journal of Economics and Management Sciences, 11(4), 220–236.
  5. Adeola, O., & Jegede, C. (2017). Financial and environmental barriers to entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economics and Social Studies, 59(3), 88–104.
  6. Adeoti, J. (2012). Financial literacy and entrepreneurship in developing countries: Lessons from Nigeria. African Journal of Economic Policy, 19(2), 56–74.
  7. Achebe, C. (2010). The trouble with Nigeria. Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishing.
  8. Acs, Z. J., & Szerb, L. (2010). Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
  9. Agbaeze, E., Chukwu, B., & Efanga, U. (2023). Insecurity and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Journal of African Security Studies, 18(2), 101–118.
  10. Aina, K. (2025). Digital finance and entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria: Emerging opportunities and challenges. Journal of African Business and Technology, 7(1), 44–62.
  11. Akinyemi, F. (2018). Policy inconsistency and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 12(4), 55–71.
  12. Akinyemi, F., & Adejumo, A. (2018). Entrepreneurship programmes and policy coordination in Nigeria. International Journal of Business Policy and Governance, 5(3), 65–78.
  13. Amadi, C., & Yusuf, H. (2024). Assessing the impact of the BOI YES-P program on Nigerian youth entrepreneurship. African Journal of Development Studies, 14(1), 73–89.
  14. Audu, A. (2017). Power shortages and the challenges of small businesses in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Energy Studies, 8(2), 90–104.
  15. Baraku (2025). Why Nigeria is fast becoming Africa's next big hub? https://baariku.io/why-nigeria-is-fast-becoming-africas-next-big-hub-2/
  16. Bello, S., & Hassan, M. (2022). Political instability and entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. International Journal of Politics and Development, 13(2), 112–126.
  17. Billy, T. (2019). Gender, culture, and entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Gender and Development Studies, 17(2), 133–150.
  18. Chukwuma-Nwuba, E. (2018). Cultural values and entrepreneurship intentions in Nigeria. Journal of African Cultural Studies, 30(1), 89–104.
  19. Egere, C. (2024). Infrastructure growth in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. African Review of Economics and Finance, 16(2), 55–70.
  20. Eneh, O. (2010). Survival strategies for entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Asian Journal of Industrial Engineering, 2(2), 52–62.
  21. Etuk, S., & Kolawole, J. (2023). Government interventions and grassroots entrepreneurship: Evidence from Nigeria. Community Development Journal of Africa, 11(3), 77–94.
  22. Ezenwa, P., & Adamu, A. (2022). Insecurity and SMEs in Abuja: Coping strategies and survival mechanisms. Journal of Business and Security Studies, 5(2), 40–57.
  23. Gumel, B. (2019). Government policies and technological interventions in Nigerian entrepreneurship. Journal of African Economic Transformation, 12(1), 23–39.
  24. Ifeanyi, O., & Bolanle, R. (2024). Infrastructure and rural entrepreneurship in southern Nigeria. International Journal of Entrepreneurship Research, 9(1), 55–71.
  25. Ihugba, O., Odin, A., & Njoku, A. (2013). Challenges and prospects of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2(5), 25–36.
  26. Ikuemonisan, O. (2024). Cumulative effects of environmental constraints on Nigerian SMEs. African Journal of Management Studies, 10(1), 102–118.
  27. Lawal, K., Musa, A., & Ojo, D. (2023). Digital innovation and SME resilience in Nigeria. International Journal of Digital Economy and Innovation, 5(3), 88–105.
  28. Musa, M., & Abubakar, H. (2022). Urban bias in entrepreneurship support programs: The Nigerian case. Journal of Urban and Regional Studies, 14(2), 56–71.
  29. Njoku, P., & Olaniyan, B. (2023). Entrepreneurship education reforms as a driver of innovation in Nigeria. African Journal of Education and Entrepreneurship, 8(4), 121–138.
  30. Nwabuatu, A., Eze, C., & Uzochukwu, V. (2025). Bureaucratic bottlenecks and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Journal of African Public Administration, 15(1), 33–52.
  31. Oguijuba, K. (2004). SMEs and economic diversification in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Economic Policy, 11(2), 87–99.
  32. Okafor, E. (2019). Corruption and business development in Nigeria. African Journal of Business Ethics, 13(1), 45–59.
  33. Okafor, E., & Onuoha, C. (2016). Religion, culture, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Journal of Development and Society, 32(3), 201–218.
  34. Okonkwo, C., & Udo, E. (2023). Macroeconomic challenges and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. International Journal of African Economic Studies, 9(2), 78–95.
  35. Ojeifo, M., & Ibukun, T. (2022). Public-private partnerships and infrastructural renewal in Nigeria: Implications for SMEs. African Journal of Economic Development, 9(1), 66–81.
  36. Olawale, F., & Garwe, D. (2010). Obstacles to the growth of new SMEs in South Africa: A principal component analysis approach. African Journal of Business Management, 4(5), 729–738.
  37. Olorunsola, G. I., & Nwankwo, A. N. (2023). A critical review of SMEs access to credit and their performance/growth in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 8(3), 912-918.
  38. Olowe, R., Moradeyo, O., & Babalola, T. (2013). Empirical study of the impact of microfinance on small businesses in Nigeria. Journal of Business and Management Review, 4(1), 45–58.
  39. Olutunla, G. (2001). SMEs as engines of growth in Nigeria. Journal of Economic Development Research, 5(1), 56–72.
  40. Onuorah, H., & Nwosu, J. (2022). Technology adoption and entrepreneurship resilience in Nigeria. International Journal of Management and Technology, 6(2), 91–108.
  41. Salami, T., & Oke, A. (2023). Digital entrepreneurship as a survival strategy for Nigerian SMEs. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Studies, 12(2), 40–59.
  42. Sanni, M. (2023). Insecurity and the cost of doing business in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Peace and Security Studies, 6(1), 72–88.
  43. Schoon, I., & Duckworth, K. (2012). Who becomes an entrepreneur? Early life experiences as predictors of entrepreneurship. Developmental Psychology, 48(6), 1719–1726.
  44. Sulaimon, A., & Olayiwola, K. (2016). Policy inconsistency and electricity challenges in Nigeria's entrepreneurship development. International Journal of Management, 8(2), 99–114.
  45. Taleat, B. A., Lukamba, M.T., & Nofiu, O. A. (2025). Integrate digital economy for inclusive development and rural livelihood in Nigeria. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(615), 779-791.
  46. Tunde, A., & Ogbonna, R. (2024). Tax incentives and SME hubs as tools for entrepreneurial revitalization in Nigeria. African Journal of Business and Policy Studies, 11(3), 77–93.
  47. Umar, S., Mohammed, H., & Ali, Y. (2022). Road infrastructure and SME competitiveness in Nigeria. Journal of African Development Studies, 14(2), 44–61.
  48. Umeh, K., & Adekunle, J. (2023). Environmental constraints and SME failure rates in Nigeria. Journal of African Business Sustainability, 10(1), 55–70.
  49. Watse, J. (2017). Collateral constraints and credit access for small businesses in Nigeria. Journal of Finance and Economic Development, 5(1), 37–49.
  50. WJARR. (2022). Socio-cultural determinants of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 16(1), 102–115.
How to Cite

OMONZEJELE, F. E., & OBIRE, K. O. (2025). ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGERIA- A LITERATURE SURVEY. Bayero Business Review, 9(2), 94-108. https://doi.org/10.67894/bbr.2025.y0uhulwm

F. E. OMONZEJELE, and K. O. OBIRE, "ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGERIA- A LITERATURE SURVEY," Bayero Business Review, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 94-108, December 2025. doi: 10.67894/bbr.2025.y0uhulwm

Share this article:
Facebook X / Twitter LinkedIn
Download PDF View Full Text (PDF) Back to Articles