OPERATIONAL IMPERATIVES OF NON-OIL EXPORT AND SUSTAINABILITY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN LAGOS METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Nigeria drive for non-oil export diversification has been in top gear recently as means to salvaging the monolithic oil-dependent economy. SMEs, as the main driver of economic growth, are hugely under capacitated. SMEs' lack of competitiveness is due to the volatile environmental stressors and competitive issues hinged on strategic, operational activities of SMEs. This empirical study adopted probabilistic statistics via random sample technique via a structured survey instrument- questionnaire distributed among the non-oil export SMEs in charge of export and exporters. The researcher distributed one hundred and seventy-five (175) copies of the respondents, out of which one hundred and thirty-four (134) were retrieved, which shows 77% response used for the analysis. The data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21) software, via regression analysis. This study found limited access to adequate information; inadequate functional upgrade and marketing limitations as significant issues that face the competitiveness of the SMEs in non-oil export. Based on these findings, the study recommends the engagement of sustainability bottom tripod strategy as a means of achieving sustainability in the sector.