A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE NIGERIAN ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM:UNDERSTANDING AND LEVERAGING THE OPPORTUNITIES

Authors

  • Fatai Kayode Wahab Centre for General Studies, Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • Elizabeth Abidemi Akintade Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
  • Tajudeen Idera Abdulmajeed Department of Banking and Finance, University of Abuja, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/jbma2026.16.1.1

Keywords:

Entrepreneurial ecosystem, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), systems theory, economic development, Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem is a dynamic yet complex framework that influences economic diversification and development. Despite the immense potential of the Nigerian economy, the ecosystem faces systemic challenges that hinder its effectiveness. Institutional voids, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, a widening skills gap, regulatory bottlenecks, and restricted market access collectively impede entrepreneurial growth and economic transformation in the country. This study adopts a systematic review approach to analyse the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem by examining its key components, identifying prevailing challenges, and exploring strategies to leverage its potential. Drawing on an extensive review of scholarly literature, policy documents, and empirical studies, the study addresses the existing gap in understanding the interplay among the ecosystem’s core elements. The study reveals the pivotal role of government policies, financial institutions, digital infrastructure, and market linkages in shaping entrepreneurial outcomes. The findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions, including policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, public–private partnerships, and improved access to funding, as essential steps towards bridging existing gaps and unlocking the full potential of Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Author Biographies

  • Fatai Kayode Wahab, Centre for General Studies, Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Nigeria

    Fatai Kayode WAHAB, a lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship at Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Nigeria, is an interdisciplinary researcher and educationist.

  • Elizabeth Abidemi Akintade, Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

    Elizabeth Abidemi AKINTADE, a Researcher and Senior Technologist in the Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

  • Tajudeen Idera Abdulmajeed, Department of Banking and Finance, University of Abuja, Nigeria

    Tajudeen Idera ABDULMAJEED, a lecturer in the Department of Banking and Finance at University of Abuja, Nigeria.

References

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Published

31-01-2026

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Articles

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE NIGERIAN ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM:UNDERSTANDING AND LEVERAGING THE OPPORTUNITIES. (2026). Journal of Business Management and Accounting, 16(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.32890/jbma2026.16.1.1