Eseosa AGBONIGIARHUOYI

This study examines entrepreneurial innovativeness and its role in the performance of SMEs. The sample consisted of small and medium enterprises within Ugbowo communities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The data was generated through primary source with the use of questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the characteristics of all variables in the administered questionnaires and the collected data was analyzed using the frequencies of the variables and percentages. The hypothesis was tested using the chi- square statistical technique. Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that there is
a relationship between entrepreneurial innovativeness and the performance of SMEs in Nigeria. It was also revealed that there is a relationship between process innovation and the performance of SMEs. It was also recommended that SMEs in Nigeria prioritize social performance. This will save them the hassle of law suits by employees, customers, and regulatory agencies. Social performance will promote good host community relationships that will enable the SMEs to succeed in their operations.