Role of Public Policies on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Growth in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

The study examines the effect of government policy on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Maiduguri North Eastern States of Nigeria. The study was anchored on the business growth theory. Descriptive survey design was adopted. The Population was 1,200 SME operators in Maiduguri, Borno State. The sample size of 300 SMEs was employed using Yamane’s formula. Questionnaire was the major instrument of data collection used in the study. Regression was used to analyse the formulated hypotheses in the study. The study discover that government credit policy granted, government tax policy and government licensing policy have a significant positive effect on the growth of small and medium enterprises in Maiduguri North Eastern Nigeria. The study concludes that government policy has a positive significant effect on the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The study recommends among others that government should reassess its various policies put in place to alleviate negative effect on credit policy on the growth of SMEs in Maiduguri, Borno State. Also, government should develop a system for tax payment so as to enhance efficiency in tax collection and payment.