http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/3686 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:01:10 GMT 2026-09-14T15:01:10Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31983 Title: EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCE ON ECONOMICSUSTAIINABILITY OF SMALL-SCALE FISH FARM BUSINESSES IN MINNA METROPOLIS, NIGER STATE Authors: Aliyu, Jabir; Dauda, Abdulwaheed; Bello, Ibrahim Bature Abstract: The challenge of sustaining business ventures amidst escalating economic uncertainty remains a primary concern in entrepreneurship, particularly for small-scale enterprises that often face stagnation or decline at the maturity stage. Specific studies on the relationship between entrepreneurial competence and economic sustainability of small businesses are limited in Nigeria and have not been intensively tested in the study’s context and sector and as such this study investigated the effect of entrepreneurial competence on economic sustainability of small-scale fish farm businesses in Minna Metropolis, Niger State. Utilising a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected by issuing a structured questionnaire to 179 fish farmers in Minna Metropolis through a census-based sampling technique after which 165 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression analysis. The results yielded an R2 of 0.505 indicating that the model possesses a robust fit and explains 50.5% of the variance in economic sustainability. The findings reveal that strategic competence with a coefficient of 0.192 and p-value of 0.020, opportunity competence with a coefficient of 0.238 and p-value of 0.001, and commitment competence with a coefficient of 0.295 and p-value of 0.000 exert positive and significant effects on economic sustainability; however, network competence with a coefficient of 0.008 and pvalue of 0.896 was found to have a positive but statistically insignificant effect on economic sustainability. Consequently, it was recommended that the Niger State ministry of agriculture and rural development in partnership with cooperative associations of the fish farmers and academic institutions should institutionalise and implement continuous structured training and workshops to strengthen the strategic competence of fish farmers in various areas like financial literacy, planning and budgeting. Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31983 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31977 Title: Strengthening port-supply chain relationships to maximize AfCFTA benefits in Nigeria Authors: Oni, Babatope Gabriel; Olaomi, Olumayowa Okunola; Ajiboye, Araoye Olarinkoye Abstract: Logistics infrastructure deficiencies in Nigeria result in costs for traders ranging from 40 to 60% of product value, with transportation from seaports to inland areas making up 40 to 80% of total container shipping expenses. This situation detrimentally affects trade competitiveness and undermines the effectiveness of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA). Strengthening relationships in the port-supply chain by linking hinterland transportation to the port system at Lagos seaports is vital for improving regionalization efforts. This study explores the relationship between hinterland logistics and port clearance processes in Nigeria and their impact on the effectiveness of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The study utilized a survey research design involving 43 import-dependent businesses listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group that transport goods via seaport and land. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between transportation costs and port clearance costs. The results indicate a negligible correlation (r = 0.056), with only 0.3% of the variation in clearing costs attributed to transportation expenses. Transportation costs have minimal impact, suggesting that efforts should be focused on other factors, including tariffs and documentation. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31977 2026-09-14T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31974 Title: OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF INLAND WATER TRANSPORT IN MOKWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE Authors: Abdul, Musa; Ajiboye, Araoye Olarinkoye Abstract: Inland water transport (IWT) is a major mode of transport for a significant population of the country, Nigeria, especially for those residing in riverine areas. The performance of the IWT services plays an important role as it determines the efficiency and effectiveness of the IWT in achieving its mobility aims. This study assesses the operational performance of IWT in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The study further explores the influence of safety practices on the operational performance of IWT. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, the study adopts a quantitative method, relying on data collected using structured questionnaires administered to the users of IWT services. The responses were coded and analysed using mean, average, standard deviation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that IWT services performance in Mokwa LGA was moderate. However, the system is faced with some challenges and deficiencies such as safety, overloading, and reliability of service. The findings further revealed that adherence to safety practices had a significant influence on the operational performance of the IWT system. The study recommended that the government’s focus should be directed to the implementation of safety laws, the supply of proper safety gear, and the periodic maintenance of ships and infrastructure. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31974 2026-06-18T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31973 Title: Causes of boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State Authors: Abdul, Musa; Ajiboye, Araoye Olarinkoye Abstract: Boat mishaps remain a major challenge limiting the efficiency of inland water transportation, especially in rural areas. This study investigated the causes of boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative research design utilising a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. 115 boat operators served as the population of the study, out of which 30 operators from four major inland water transport (IWT) ports, namely Gbajibo, Poluwaya, Bukka-Gungu-Zaki, and Gbajibo Modu, were sampled. Stratified and accidental sampling techniques were adopted, and responses were analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean and rankings. Secondary data were sourced from the Niger State Ministry of Transport (NSMT) and were further analysed descriptively to complement information sourced from operators. The findings revealed that adverse weather conditions, overloading, poorly marked navigation routes as well as the use of old and poorly maintained boats were the major causes of boat mishaps. The study further established that boat mishaps in the area are often severe, involving high casualty rates and predominantly affecting wooden boats. The study recommended strict enforcement of safety laws, provision and enforced use of life jackets as well as routine dredging of waterways to remove obstructions. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31973 2026-06-18T00:00:00Z