Business sentiment in Nigeria is expected to strengthen steadily over the next six months, with confidence projected to reach one of its highest levels in recent years, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Business Expectations Survey for November 2025.
The survey shows that business confidence stood at 37.5 index points in November, reflecting growing optimism about macroeconomic conditions. This figure is projected to rise to 52.8 points by mid 2026, signalling expectations of stronger economic activity across key sectors.
Industry recorded the highest confidence reading, followed by agriculture and services, pointing to broad-based optimism. On operational performance, mining and quarrying led with strong expectations for output and activity. Regionally, the North East posted the highest confidence level, while the South East recorded the lowest, though expectations remained positive nationwide.
The News Chronicle understands that expectations of business expansion, improved activity levels, and increased labour demand are driving the upbeat outlook. Many firms indicated plans to increase hiring toward the end of 2025, with construction showing the strongest expansion prospects and mining leading employment expectations.
Businesses keep flagging significant problems including insecurity, exorbitant taxes, power supply problems, high interest rates, and financing limitations despite the favorable mood. Analysts point out that resolving these structural stresses will be necessary for sustained confidence increases as the economy recovers ground.
