Abstract

This study reviews the policies implemented by the Nigerian government over the years to assist the development of manufacturing small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria following the implementation of Trade liberalisation policy in 1986. The aim of the liberalise trade policy was to encourage competition and improve efficiency in the use of local resources; yet most Nigerian SMEs still find it difficult to compete and merely struggle to survive the liberalised economic environment in Nigeria. The result of the study of a sample of 500 manufacturing SMEs operating in Lagos State reveals that despite the laudable policies, the effects are not felt by most manufacturing SMEs due to improper planning and the absence of favourable investment climate necessary for these policies to be effective.

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