Development of State Business Agenda (SBA) for Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigeria Socio-economic and Business landscape has continued to be challenged from all fronts by a series of factors militating against the creation and growth of the business. These factors affect the capacity of the business sector to contribute (as partners in progress), to the socio-economic development of the States, by limiting their employment capability and income-generating ability. Like many of the States in the North Central Zone of Nigeria, the Nasarawa State business community is confronted with a lot of problems affecting its growth and development. Though multi-faceted and varied, five problems or issues have been prioritized and have been identified. This includes:

• Multiple Taxation and Business Growth,
• High Rate of Unemployment, Poverty and Business Environment,
• Poor Sanitation and Waste Management System,
• Weak Capital Base, Lack of Land Titles, and
• Insecurity of Lives/Properties

The methodology used is an evidence-based approach. The instrument used for analysis is a simple percentage method and ANOVA. The researcher finds that all five key elements significantly impact the growth of businesses in the state.