A Chartered Stockbroker and Banker, and an authorized dealer on the Nigeria Stock Exchange floor, Mr. Wemi Jones, has said for the country to see desired development in the economy, a Small and Medium Enterprise Fund must be established.
He noted that the fund must have a single-digit interest rate arrangement for borrowers.
He stated that the peculiar nature of the country’s business environment required a conscious and strategic approach to distort the status quo and give the economy the needed boost, especially now that it had gradually exited recession.
The Nigerian Banking industry has really grown and he commended some policies of the different Central Bank of Nigeria governors. He stressed that more should be done to impact on the businesses of various SMEs in the country, so that major positive economic impact could be felt. He added that the current interest rate regime in most Commercial Banks for SMEs only leaves the SMEs to struggle all through, with little or nothing to show for their efforts over the years.
He also stated that “In the past, Banks were very small and there was a proliferation of Banks prior to consolidation in the industry. Now, Banks are stronger and more stable; and should be able to do more as far as the SMEs are concerned.
“But the Nigerian Banks are not as supportive to small businesses as they ought to be. Some show interest when they see that the business you are proposing has the propensity to repay the loan being applied for. The Banks can still do a lot better.
“Banks are very attracted to short-term financing at the expense of long term, and such disposition cannot do much to turn the economy around positively and guaranty meaningful development. In Nigeria now, the Banks are doing so well while the companies, which are giving the Banks business, are not doing well. That means there is a fundamental problem”
Rising overheads in most of these companies, according to Jones, is the major reason why they are not doing well; of which the overheads include diesel, security, tax expenses, among others.
He added that “Some businesses can close down, if this situation lingers for another three months or less. Margins of businesses are being eroded by these rising overheads. Also, multiple taxation is causing our running costs to rise as all kinds of taxes are levied against businesses amid challenges they are being confronted with.”
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