Trade and Manufacturing Sectors Drive Business Growth in February 2025

In February 2025, Nigeria’s trade and manufacturing sectors improved business activities, with the Current Business Index rising to +11.50. The trade sector led the gains, although agriculture faced challenges. Ongoing issues include high operational costs, limited credit access, and declining business investment, despite structural improvements in the business environment.

In February 2025, Nigeria’s trade and manufacturing sectors significantly enhanced business activities for the second consecutive month, indicating positive business conditions. This was highlighted in the NESG-Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor, a report initiated by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, with support from Stanbic IBTC. The Current Business Index increased from +5.69 in January to +11.50, showcasing ongoing improvements across various sectors.

The NESG-Stanbic IBTC report indicates that while Nigeria’s trade and manufacturing sectors showed notable improvement in February 2025, challenges persist within the agricultural sector, and structural issues remain a concern. Unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, high financing costs, and limited access to credit continue to impede overall business growth. Hence, despite some positive trends, caution prevails among investors due to increased operational costs and decreased business investment.

Original Source: businessday.ng