EFFECT OF FOREIGN CAPITAL ON GROWTH OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the effect of foreign capital on entrepreneurship growth in Nigeria with specific focus on Benue State. the specific objectives were to examine the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign portfolio investment (FPI), foreign remittances, and foreign aid or grants on entrepreneurship growth in Benue State The study adopted a mixed method research design involving ex- post factor design and survey design. Data were obtained from secondary sources such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletins, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports, and World Bank indicators, while complementary primary data were collected from 50 sampled small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were employed to assess the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. The findings revealed that foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign portfolio investment (FPI), foreign remittances, and foreign aid or grants all exerted positive and significant effects on entrepreneurship growth within the period under review.  The study concluded that foreign capital has significant positive effect on growth of entrepreneurship in Benue State, Nigeria. The study recommended that government should improve the investment climate through policy consistency, security enhancement, and infrastructural development to attract sustainable foreign investments. In addition, policies that encourage diaspora remittances and efficient management of foreign aid are vital for fostering inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial growth.