ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND SMALL AND MEDIUM-SCALE ENTERPRISES IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE: AN HISTORICAL STUDY OF BOBLYN-CHI LIMITED, 2003-2019

Abstract

Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) have been identified as a major driver of sustainable economic growth and development. They make employment of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour possible; they are source of internally general revenue (IGR) for the government; and make effective use of idle raw materials, among others. However, the proliferation of SMEs invariably contributes to environmental degradation. Albeit, their contribution to carbon monoxide emission is relatively low in comparison with Large Scale Enterprises (LSEs). The Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a source of fuel that is known to be highly combustible and inflammable, thereby making it a possible menace to the environment if not properly handled. Even though the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) has affirmed that the chemical substances found in LPG does not have adverse effect on the environment and even go as far as recommending it as an alternative to wood fuel, the fire outbreak that could result from mishandling of the gas could prove highly socio-environmentally hazardous. Unfortunately, most historical studies on the effects of business activities on the environment appear to focus mostly on the fossil fuel-emitting activities. It is in the view of the foregoing that this study adopts the historical method of research, which basically involves qualitative analysis, to examine some environmental factors in SME activities in Nigeria. Tracing the business history of Boblyn Chi Integrated Services Limited, which is a major LPG dispenser in Awka, Anambra State, the study observes that the company and some gas dispensing SMEs in the state may actually live up to the responsibility of being environmentally conscious. Boblyn Chi, among other things, pays the compulsory annual environmental levy and ensures that the business activities in the company are in line with modalities stipulated by regulatory agencies for socio-environmental protection. The submission of the paper is that Boblyn Chi’s Whiz Gas plant being one of the biggest LPG dispensing plants in Awka, has contributed in good measure to mitigate environmental hazards normally associated with SMEs that deal on sensitive materials. Coupled with sensitization of customers on the need to observe safety measures while using the LPG, it also engages in community development and other social responsibilities. However, considering the size of the company and years of operation, it is expected that further safety measures, such as the construction of modern dispensing platform, which is evidently lacking in the Awka plant, be put in place. Furthermore, while private enterprises should accept and perform their obligations to ensure environmental sustainability, government has an enormous role to play towards that end.