Entrepreneurial Orientation and SME Capacity Building in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the Local Content Law provisions, entrepreneurial orientation and capacity seem lacking among the people who ought to build indigenous SMEs needed to appropriate the Law for the intended improvement of the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Niger Delta area of Nigeria. This suggests that people of the area are yet to appreciate how the Local Content Law could help in the socio-economic development
of the area, and will impair the realisation of the aim of the Law. This study examines how entrepreneurial orientation could help capacity building in indigenous SMEs in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria within the context of the Local Content law provisions. Based on extant literature and indirect observations, the conceptual study found that the indigenous SMEs are not availing themselves of the opportunities created by the Local Content Law when measured against the objectives of the law. The study argues that entrepreneurial orientation of indigenous SME owners is needed to enable them acquire strapping risk-taking propensity for aggressive, competitive and innovative strategic decision making capabilities. Implications of the study calls for a deliberate effort towards building an enterprising culture amongst Niger Delta indigenous SME
owners with a view to enhancing their entrepreneurial activities and by so doing contribute to the sustainable development of the region through the Local Content Law.