POST-BANK CONSOLIDATION: A debacle in the survival of SMEs in Nigeria “An Empirical Study”

The contention of this paper is to examine the impact of post-bank consolidation on the performance of Small and Medium Scale enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, with special reference to Lagos State. To examine the meritorious advantages of bank consolidation (mergers and acquisitions) in the shareholders wealth creation. To assess the trends, if any, of post-bank consolidation on the economic development of Nigeria and to highlight the ancillary benefits that may have accrued to the economy and SMEs as a result of post bank consolidation. The data procurement was based on survey of Neolithic literatures as well as primary sources, through dissemination of questionnaires based on the concept of the subject matter. A sample size of 50 was drawn from the supra-population of the study within Ikeja Local Government Area in Lagos State, using random sampling techniques. The mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were also applied in analysis of data collected. On-line discussions with the respondents was equally adopted which aimed at enlarging the scope of coverage in data collection. The analysis of the study reveals that SMEs in Nigeria, with reference to Lagos State metropolis, do not have better access to finance through banks, due to neo-reorganization in banks as a result of post bank consolidation. It was revealed that SMEs do not have absolute rapport with the financial institutions due to their financial background in Nigeria. They are financially handicapped which limits their size and the capacity to embark on bank loans with high interest rate. The researchers, therefore, are of the opinion that the government should enable the SMEs by providing enabling ground to a better access with financial institutions as regards bank loan at an affordable securities. The paper highlights the supra-environment in which the SMEs operate in Nigeria and their attendant limitations which are assumed do not harness the future survival of the SMEs in the long run.