ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND SMEs PERFORMANCE IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sokoto metropolis. The study was motivated by the continued performance challenges faced by SMEs despite their important role in employment generation and economic development. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and primary data were collected from a sample of 353 SME owners and managers, out of which 330 valid responses were analyzed. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. Regression was used to test the research hypotheses. Results revealed that both pro-activeness and risk-taking showed significant positive effects on SME performance in Sokoto metropolis. The study concludes that entrepreneurial behaviours such as anticipating market opportunities and taking calculated risks are essential drivers of SME growth and competitiveness in Sokoto metropolis. It recommends that SME owners adopt proactive strategies, apply moderate risk-taking approaches, and that support agencies provide targeted training and financial assistance to strengthen entrepreneurial capability.