Nigeria Private Sector Growth Eases in May

The Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI eased to 53.4 in June 2026 from 54.1 in May, but remained well above the 50-point threshold. The pace of growth in output and new orders softened from the previous month, while manufacturing was the only broad sector to record a decline in business activity. Despite the moderation, strong customer demand and new product launches continued to support marked growth in sales and business activity. Improving demand encouraged firms to increase employment, purchasing activity, and inventories. Employment rose for a thirteenth consecutive month, with hiring at its fastest pace since February. On the price front, input costs and selling prices remained elevated due to higher fuel, raw material, and transportation costs. Looking ahead, firms remained optimistic about the year ahead, with business confidence climbing to its highest level since June 2025, supported by expansion plans, advertising efforts, and stockpiling.

The Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI rose to 54.1 in May 2026 from 52.4 in April, signaling the strongest improvement in private sector business conditions since August 2025. The increase was driven by sharper growth in both output and new orders. Stronger demand prompted firms to increase purchasing activity and inventories, while supplier performance improved due to prompt payments, better vendor coordination, and improved road conditions. Employment also continued to increase, although hiring growth remained modest despite sustained job creation over the past year. On the price front, higher fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict continued to lift input and selling prices, although both input cost and output price inflation eased to multi-month lows. Business confidence remained positive on expansion and product-launch plans, though sentiment slipped to a one-year low amid persistent cost pressures and economic uncertainty.

The Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI rose to 52.4 in April 2026 from 51.9 in March, remaining above the 50-point threshold and signaling a continued improvement in private sector conditions. Output expanded at a solid pace, supported by stronger demand, although rising fuel costs linked to Middle East tensions continued to constrain the pace of activity. New orders increased further, driven by higher customer numbers and improving demand. Sector performance was broadly positive, with activity rising in most areas except services. In addition, employment edged higher as firms responded to increased workloads. Purchasing activity extended its upward trend, while inventories rose at the fastest pace in five months as firms sought to secure inputs. Business sentiment improved, with firms expressing optimism about future output and planning expansion through new branches, market entry, and stock-building, though confidence remained tempered by ongoing cost pressures.