National Directorate of Employment and Small Enterprise Performance in Minna Metropolis

Abstract

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was a creation of the Federal government in response to the mounting unemployment problems faced by Nigeria. The directorate was created to promote the spirit of enterprise among Nigerians. t does this by providing training for the acquisition of job related skills, providing financial assistance to beneficiaries to set up and manage small scale businesses and also render advisory services for healthy performance of their enterprises. Therefore this paper was designed to investigate the impact of National Directorate of Employment on small enterprises performance in Minna metropolis, Niger State. The study employed quantitative approach using a census based research design. The population of the study was 50 registered small enterprises in Minna metropolis. Data for the study were collected through the administration of 50 structured questionnaires to respondents. Three null hypotheses were developed and tested using linear regression analysis. The result of the study revealed insignificant positive effect of NDE vocational training programme, finances and consultancy services on the performance of small enterprises in the study area which led to the retention of the null hypotheses. The study concluded that, though, NDE has made positive impact on small enterprises operating in Minna metropolis, it is yet to significantly affect their operations. II recommends among others that the directorate should intensify its operations so as to make its positive effect on small enterprises in Minna metropolis significantly felt.