Determinants of Lending to small and medium Enterprises by Deposit Banks in Nigeria 1. Introduction Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can be likened to a propeller that powers the engine of a nation's economy for growth and development (Oladele, Olowookere & Akinruwa, 2014). SMEs are businesses involved in different activities across Nigeria. Their businesses include the production of local agricultural implements, bar owners, tailors, iron fabricators, vehicle mechanics, transporters, internet café owners, washmen, software development et al. SMEs are also involved in producing for domestic and international markets. SMEs can be found in rural, urban, regional, national or international markets (Ikpor, Nnabu & Obaji, 2017). According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO, 2012), SMEs play a significant role in the economic development of nations as they play a prominent role in the private sector. SMEs make up over 90percent of entrepreneurs of the world and are responsible for 50 to 60percent of employment generation (Ayuba, & Zubairu, 2015). SMEs occupy an essential position in almost every country or state, and they have been recognized so by government and development experts as the main engine of economic growth and a significant force in the promotion of private sector development (Gbadi & Amisah, 2014). For any developing country to grow and develop economically, greater attention must be paid to the SME sector (Awoniyi, 2010). UNCTAD, (2001) observed that finance had been identified in many business surveys and researches as one of the main factors determining the survival and growth of SMEs in both developing and developed countries. Banking sector help to make credit available to firms by mobilizing surplus fund from deposits and channel it in the form of credit to investors (Nwanyanwu, 2012). Finance remains one of the barriers to the growth of SMEs in Nigeria (Lawanson, 2007). Lending is one of the leading business of deposit banks through which they generate income (Asantey & Tengey, 2014). Bank finance is an essential source of funds for most organizations (Yeboah, Asirifi & Adigbo, 2014). Access to finance is vital to business start-up, development, and growth for SMEs (Shikumo & Mwangi, 2016). Deposit Banks play a crucial role in economic resource allocation in many countries. Deposit banks mobilize deposits and channel it to investors who need funds (Ongore & Kusa, 2013). Olusanya, Oyebo & Ohadebere (2012) observed that Deposit banks fund entrepreneurs leading to product development and process. Lack of credit facilities has been identified as one of the barriers to the performance of SMEs in Nigeria (Ikpor, Nnabu & Obaji, 2017). The shortage of capital inhibits the relevance of SMEs solving macroeconomic challenges, inability to access fund from financial agencies (Schneider, 2002). Akambi and Joseph (2013) observed that the level of credit availability has a significant impact on the growth and development of SMEs across the world. Access to finance by SMEs is key ...