Review of Public Administration and Management

Abstract

Financial Challenges of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Smes) In Nigeria: The Relevance of Accounting Information

Ohachosim Celestine Ikem, Onwuchekwa Faith Chidi and Ifeanyi Toochukwu Titus

The relevance of SME-sub sector in Nigeria’s economy has necessitated the need for empirical investigations into the nature of its financial challenges. This paper evaluates the extent accounting information can be used to ameliorate the financial challenges of SMEs in Nigeria. It explored both theoretical and empirical literatures as bases for the study. It made use of questionnaire for collecting data from a sample of SMEs in Nigeria. Tables and graphs describe the responses for better understanding. By the technique of Ordinary Least Square (OLS), the researchers analysed the group logit (GLOGIT) model specified in the paper. Our analyses reveal that SMEs in Nigeria have poor accounting system. It was also found that SMEs’ access to finance depends largely on the quality of accounting information they can generate which is determined by their accounting practices. The paper recommends that SMEs should access the services of the accountant to be able to establish dependable accounting system which is characterised by generally accepted accounting practices (GAAPs). Quality accounting information will enhance SMEs’ financial management as well as accessibility of finances.