Industrial Cluster Policy And Socio-Economic Development In Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the impact of industrial cluster policy on socio-economic development in Gombe State, Nigeria. Despite the adoption of the industrial cluster policy to stimulate employment generation, poverty reduction, revenue growth, and improved living standards, Gombe State continues to experience socio-economic challenges, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the policy. A survey research design was adopted and the data was obtained through structured questionnaires administered to enterprises operating within the Nasarawo Industrial Cluster. The data was presented and analysed using descriptive statistics while multiple regression analysis was used in testing the hypothesis. The study was anchored on Cluster Theory. The findings revealed that the industrial cluster policy has a statistically significant positive effect on socio-economic development in Gombe State. The regression model showed a strong positive relationship between industrial cluster policy and socio-economic development (R = 0.730, R² = 0.533, p < 0.001). Conducive industrial site and stable electricity emerged as the strongest predictors of socio-economic development, followed by soft loans and physical security. The study concludes that the industrial cluster policy contributes positively to socio-economic development in Gombe State. The study recommends stronger institutional coordination, improved access to finance, enhanced monitoring mechanisms, and sustained infrastructural support.