THE ROLE OF NDE MICROFINANCE SCHEME IN EMPLOYMENT GENERATION AND SELF‑RELIANCE IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE (2014–2024)

This study evaluates the role of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) microfinance scheme in promoting employment generation and self-employment in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, between 2014 and 2024. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 150 respondents — including 100 scheme beneficiaries, 5 NDE officials, and 20 community stakeholders — through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, supplemented by program reports and relevant literature. Quantitative analysis (descriptive statistics and inferential tests) and thematic qualitative analysis were used to examine loan access, utilization, training relevance, employment outcomes, and implementation challenges. Findings indicate that 65% of respondents accessed NDE loans (average disbursement ₦50,000), with the majority deploying funds to small-scale trading and agriculture. The scheme contributed to job creation — 70% of beneficiaries employed additional workers and an average of 2.5 jobs were created per beneficiary — and produced measurable income growth, particularly in agriculture. However, implementation constraints such as bureaucratic delays, insufficient loan amounts, high collateral requirements, limited training follow-up, and insecurity hindered optimal impact. The study recommends increased funding and outreach, streamlined loan processes, enhanced training and post-training mentorship, improved monitoring and evaluation, public awareness campaigns, and security partnerships to strengthen program delivery. These reforms would enhance the NDE scheme’s capacity to reduce unemployment and support sustainable self-employment in conflict-affected contexts.