Influence of Transferable Military Skills on Entrepreneurial Success among Military Retirees in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examined the transferability of military-acquired skills to entrepreneurial success among military retirees in Lagos State, Nigeria, addressing a gap in empirical research on how specific military competencies translate into post-retirement business outcomes. Using a descriptive research design, the study surveyed 101 retired military personnel who had completed the Pre-Retirement/Pre-Discharge Entrepreneurship Training programme at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) and were subsequently engaged in entrepreneurial ventures. Data were collected with a structured, validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.831) and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that strategic planning, leadership, problem-solving and decision-making, discipline, resilience under pressure, and teamwork were the military-acquired competencies most strongly perceived as transferable to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial training programmes were rated as effective in building business-startup knowledge, financial management skills, and market planning capabilities, though they were less effective in easing the transition from a structured military environment to the dynamics of civilian business. Leadership, discipline, access to financial resources, entrepreneurial training, and supportive networks emerged as the strongest enablers of successful skill transfer, while government policy and institutional support were rated comparatively lower. Key challenges included limited access to finance, difficulty adapting to the competitive civilian business environment, weak professional networks, and inadequate business management knowledge. The study concludes that while military-acquired skills provide a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, their full potential is constrained by financial, structural, and institutional gaps. It recommends strengthened and tailored resettlement training, improved financial inclusion mechanisms, and structured mentorship and networking platforms to enhance entrepreneurial outcomes among military retirees.

military retirees, transferable skills, entrepreneurship, resettlement training, Nigeria

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