THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON SMALL-SCALE BUSINESSES IN MAIDUGURI

This study examined the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the performance of small-scale businesses in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the need to understand how ICT adoption influences operational efficiency, sales growth, customer service, and revenue generation among small enterprises operating in a challenging business environment. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 150 registered small-scale business owners using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing both descriptive statistics and inferential techniques to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings revealed that ICT tools—particularly mobile phones, point-of-sale (POS) systems, social media platforms, and basic accounting software are widely used and have a significant positive effect on business performance. Specifically, ICT adoption was found to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer service delivery, increase sales, and positively influence revenue generation. However, challenges such as high cost of ICT tools, inadequate technical skills, unreliable power supply, and resistance to change were identified as major constraints to effective ICT utilization. The study concludes that ICT is a critical driver of small-scale business performance and competitiveness in Maiduguri. It therefore recommends improved access to affordable ICT tools, enhanced training and capacity building, better infrastructure provision, and supportive government policies to strengthen ICT adoption and ensure sustainable growth of small-scale businesses.