Project Abstract

Abstract
Microfinance has gained significant recognition worldwide as a tool for poverty alleviation and economic development. This study aims to assess the impact of microfinance banks on the economic growth and development of Nigeria. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data with qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the microfinance sector. The findings suggest that microfinance banks play a crucial role in providing financial services to the unbanked and underbanked populations in Nigeria. By offering small loans, savings, and insurance products, these institutions empower individuals and small businesses to engage in income-generating activities and improve their livelihoods. Furthermore, the study reveals that access to microfinance services has a positive impact on entrepreneurship, job creation, and overall economic growth in Nigeria. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) supported by microfinance loans contribute to employment generation and income diversification, thereby enhancing household welfare and reducing poverty levels. In addition, the research highlights the challenges faced by microfinance banks in Nigeria, including high operational costs, limited outreach in rural areas, and inadequate regulatory framework. Addressing these challenges is essential to maximize the impact of microfinance on economic development in the country. Overall, the study underscores the importance of microfinance in promoting financial inclusion, fostering entrepreneurship, and stimulating economic growth in Nigeria. It recommends policy interventions to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of microfinance institutions, such as improving regulatory oversight, promoting digital financial services, and strengthening capacity building for microfinance practitioners. By shedding light on the role of microfinance banks in Nigeria's economic development, this research contributes to the existing literature on microfinance impact assessment and provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers seeking to leverage microfinance for sustainable development outcomes.

Project Overview

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

It would be observed that, despite the presumed developments in the Nigerian economy, the country is still largely being regarded as a developing country (Onyema, 2006). More so, its industrial growth is not quite impressive. Before the emergence of formal microfinance institutions, informal microfinance activities flourished all over the country. Traditionally, microfinance in Nigeria entails traditional informal practices such as local money lending, rotating credit and savings practices, credit from friends and relatives, government owned institutional arrangements, poverty reduction programmes etc (Lemo, 2006). The Central Bank of Nigeria Survey in 2001 indicated that the operations of former microfinance institutions in Nigeria are relatively new, as most of them never registered after 1981. Before now, commercial banks traditionally lend to medium and large enterprises which are judged to be credit-worthy. They avoided doing business with the poor and their micro enterprises because the associated cost and risks are considered to be relatively high (Anyanwu, 2004).

The Federal and State governments have recognized that for sustainable growth and development, the financial empowerment of the rural areas is vital, being the repository of the predominantly poor in society and in particular the SMEs. If this growth strategy is adopted and the latent entrepreneurial capabilities of this large segment of the people is sufficiently stimulated and sustained, then positive multipliers will be felt throughout the economy. To give effect to these aspirations various policies have been instituted over time by the Federal Government to improve rural enterprise production capabilities. (Olaitan 2006) In view of this, the impact of micro finance bank in economic growth and development of Nigeria started showcasing itself. With the initiative of microfinance, rural areas are opportune to grow and develop as loan and fund are easily given to rural farmers and entrepreneur. Jobs opportunities were created since there is avenue for lending and investing.