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This study examined the operational characteristics of MSEs and their contributions towards addressing the national challenge of unemployment. The research was based on Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed descriptive analysis and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression technique in estimating the data obtained. The administration of questionnaire was applied to collect the data. The study found out that micro and small-scale enterprises contributed to economic growth through their operational activities, via the job creation in the economy. Thus, the study recommended that government policies should be put in place to encourage micro and small enterprises, and the provision of infrastructures, credit facilities, tax holidays, training program, amongst others, for MSEs. It was also recommended for funding agencies to consider the trends of practicing MSEs towards addressing critical economic and social issues such as job creation, in granting them funding facilities, in order to facilitate continuous participation in job creation among Nigerian MSEs. AcknowledgmentThe authors appreciate the Management of Covenant University for funding the publishing of this manuscript in this journal.

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This research covered the palliative material distribution project in Lagos State, Nigeria, during the lockdown and restriction on movement because of COVID-19 pandemic. The study engaged reports from extant literature and tertiary data sources such as the newspapers, the Internet, and website source. Relevant data gathered from these sources were conceptually analysed and discussed along with extant literature. The research also adopted the use of rich pictures for further presentation of the research. A key finding from the research is the need to redesign the distribution process and consider proper structuring of the project. And further engagement with the affected stakeholders to address crucial issues such as marginalisation that can defeat the purpose, which is to emancipate the affected indigents of the State from the harrowing effects of COVID-19 lockdown and other emergencies-related critical incidences such as starvation and criminalities. The study proposed a model for a resilience approach to effectively address the current palliative distribution process challenges in Lagos State, the epicentre of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Keywords COVID-19 pandemic Á Lagos State Á Nigeria Á Palliative material distribution Á State interventions Á Stakeholder involvement JEL Classifications O17 Á O38 Á O31 Á A20 K2 Á K42 Á K1

This research explores waste management activities and the strive to achieve a cleaner environment for man's habitation. The work applies a case study approach andthe use of observation method was applied in the data collection along with a description of the case of waste dumping issue on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. This study suggests the application of systems approach to enhance a participatory waste management practice, that embraces the involvement and active consultation of the concerned stakeholders for effective and sustainable waste management practice. The research also highlights the need for further research to consider the application of other data collection tools such asinterview and workshop to have a broaderdata needed to further explore the research area.

This study explores the relationship between agricultural governance and food security in Nigeria and employs two main approaches: descriptive and econometric. The econometric approach engages Autoregressive Distribution Lag (ARDL) in examining the long-run relationship between the indicators of food security and agricultural governance for the period 1985 to 2016. The results show that in the long-run, agricultural performance contribute to food security in Nigeria. The findings from the descriptive analysis unveil that Nigeria has the highest number of undernourished people, which increased by 22% between 2000 and 2001. Between 2000 and 2015, the population grew by 30.60% with the rate of violence increasing by 55%. The study recommends, among others, that accountability in addressing the challenges in the implementation of food security programs and ensuring timely distribution of food resources is germane.

This study explores the potentials of digital transformation for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on SDG 4 and SDG 9 in Nigeria. The study adopts a conceptual approach, reviewing existing literature to explore the topic from various views of authors on the issue. It focuses on the contextual factors such as stakeholder input to the process of the implementation of digitalisation and SDGs 4 and 9 which focuses on educational development at all levels, industrial collaborations and improvements, respectively. The results indicate that digital transformation potentially enhances the attainment of SDGs 4 and 9, but this is mediated by the level of stakeholder commitment and e-governance performance. Part of the recommendation is the adoption of a multi-disciplinary approach to development-oriented digital transformation interventions for SDGs 4 and 9 in Nigeria, through a process of effective stakeholder engagement and transparent institutional signalling. The study draws research attention to the use of digital transformation for social development, especially in a developing economy such as Nigeria, to enhance the compendium of knowledge in the implementation of digital approach to the attainment of SDGs 4 and 9. It is also suggested for the government institutions to take further responsibility to provide a fair platform for the implementation of digital transformation and the attainment of SDGs 4 and 9 in Nigeria.

This research explored the effects of the legal system on SMEs operations in the Nigerian economy. The study aimed to address the gap in literature discussing the legal system and SMEs’ operations in Nigeria. It focused on learning about the current level of support of the legal system for SME operations and as well as suggesting an approach to enhance effective SMEs’ operations in Nigeria further. The current study applied a conceptual review, relying on extant literature relating to the antecedence of the Nigeria legal system, focusing on the critical factors affecting SME practices in Nigeria. A key finding is the importance of the legal system functions to SMEs practice in Nigeria. It also highlighted the weaknesses of the legal system in providing the needed backing and conducive business environment for SMEs in Nigeria. A model was proposed, depicting the need for restructuring of the legal system, improvised support of other government functionaries and other relevant stakeholders, to facilitate SMEs’ operations and enhance their contributions to the Nigerian economy. The research ends with the suggestion for further research to consider other research methodological approaches, the development of alternative dispute revolutionary measures, as well as a comparative study involving two or more economies in order to project further learning on the legal system and SMEs’ operations.