Business confidence among Nigerian companies improved significantly in August 2026, according to the latest Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Business Expectations Survey.
The Business Confidence Index rose to 14.8 points in August, compared with 5.7 points in July, showing that businesses became more optimistic about economic conditions.
The improvement was recorded across major sectors. Industrial businesses recorded a confidence reading of 17.1 points, while services rose to 13.3 points and agriculture reached 13.9 points.
Businesses also expressed expectations of a stronger naira and lower interest rates, which could make borrowing cheaper and improve access to finance for companies.
However, businesses continue to face challenges including multiple taxes, insecurity and high interest rates, which remain major concerns for private-sector operators.
The improvement in confidence suggests that businesses are becoming more positive about Nigeria’s economic outlook, although companies still want policies that will reduce operating costs and make it easier to invest and expand.
