This empirical study examined the efficacy of tackling the twin economic challenges of poverty and
unemployment in Nigeria through the small scale enterprise commonly known as burnt bricklaying. The study
also examined the socio-economic characteristics of the bricklayers as well as the major challenges militating
against their growth and performance. The results indicate that burnt bricklaying has significant positive impact
on poverty alleviation, job creation, and income generation in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that the
challenges of poor infrastructure, low prices of bricks, low demand for bricks, and low operating capital faced by
these small scale enterprises should be addressed by the various tiers of government and the financial system as a
viable means of job creation, poverty alleviation and income generation in Nigeria.