Law and Economy

Competitive Strategy and Performance of Microfinance Banks in Cross River State, Nigeria

Obule Esther Egrinya — 2025-07-24

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of competitive strategy on the performance of microfinance banks in Cross River State. The specific objectives were to: examine the effect of differentiation strategy, market focus strategy, cost leadership on performance of microfinance banks in Cross River State. Data for this study were gathered from primary sources through the use of structured questionnaire. Multiple regression technique was employed to analyze the effect of independent variables on dependent variable. The major findings of the study include: Differentiation strategy had a positive significant effect on performance of microfinance banks in Cross River State; market focus strategy has a positive significant effect on performance of microfinance banks in Cross River State; and cost leadership strategy has a positive significant effect on performance of microfinance banks in Cross River State. The study recommended that management of banks should develop effective strategies that will provide customers with something unique, different and distinct from items their competitors may offer in the marketplace. Also, management of banks should effectively be involved in targeting their audience as well as having a method of developing, marketing and selling products to a niche market. Finally, management of banks should provide products or services at the lowest possible price in the industry.

A Legal Appraisal of the Challenges Faced by Forwarding Agents in Cameroon

Felix Fung Kum — 2025-07-24

Forwarding agents play a crucial role in facilitating international trade by managing the logistics and documentation necessary for the smooth transit of goods. In Cameroon, a rapidly growing economy with increasing trade activities, forwarding agents are pivotal in ensuring efficiency and compliance in supply chains. Despite their importance, forwarding agents in Cameroon face numerous challenges that hinder their operational efficiency and affect the overall trade environment. These challenges include bureaucratic delays, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory complexities, and security issues, which collectively impact on their performance and the country’s trade competitiveness. This article aims to appraise the key challenges faced by forwarding agents in Cameroon. The research adopts the qualitative research methodology, and data were obtained from books, article Journals. The study reveals that forwarding agents predominantly struggle with cumbersome customs procedures, poor transport infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and security threats such as cargo theft. These challenges result in increased operational costs, delays in shipment processing, and reduced competitiveness in the logistics sector. It is recommended that there is the need to streamline and simplify customs clearance procedures to reduce delays and bureaucratic hurdles at ports, particularly Douala, which faces congestion and long cargo dwell times.

Digitalization and Performance of Service Sector

Lawal Suleiman Gbenga — 2025-07-25

The study examined the effect of digitalization and performance of the service sector. The specific objectives were to: examine the effect of internet adoption in performance of service sector in Calabar; investigate the effect of social networking websites adoption performance of service sector in Calabar; and to ascertain the effect of mobile technology performance of service sector in Calabar. The study adopted descriptive research design. Data for this study were gathered from primary sources. The study employed multiple regression statistical tools to analyze the effect of independent variables on dependent variable. The major findings of the study include: Internet has a positive effect on performance of service sector. Social networking websites have a positive effect on performance of service sector. Mobile technology has a positive effect on performance of service sector. The study recommended that organizations should focus on training networking for employees so that they will produce best result in order to make decision in future.