Tansian University Journal of Arts, Management & Social Sciences

This study investigates the relationship between entrepreneurial development and employment generation in Nigeria from 1999 to 2023. Using an econometric framework with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, the analysis incorporates variables such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), credit to SMEs, infrastructure, foreign aid, human capital development, and per capita income. The findings show that SMEs and per capita income significantly enhance employment generation, while credit to SMEs, infrastructure, foreign aid, and human capital development show no significant effect. The model explains 64.4% of the variation in employment and is statistically significant overall. Policy recommendations emphasize strengthening SME development through targeted financial support and capacity building, alongside measures to raise per capita income as a means of stimulating job creation. Strategic reforms are also needed to make external finance and infrastructure more effective in driving employment. The study affirms the central role of entrepreneurship and income growth in promoting sustainable employment in Nigeria.

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