Nigeria Economic Update, Issue 4

According to the Stanbic IBTC Bank purchasing managers index report, Nigerian private sector activity increased by 1.8 points, rising from 52.7 in December 2024 to 54.5 in January 2025. This marks the second consecutive month above the 50.0 threshold and represents the fastest growth rate since April 2022. By interpretation, a reading below 50 indicates a decline in private sector activity, a reading of 50 reflects stability while a reading above 50 signals expansion and higher productivity. The recovery that began in December gained further momentum in January, driven by increased business purchasing activity, which boosted input acquisition and production. Companies also benefited from faster supplier deliveries and remained optimistic, showing greater confidence than in December 2024. Although inflation remained high due to exchange rate depreciation and rising costs of raw materials and transportation, the increase in PMI suggests that businesses are investing more in inputs and production, which could lead to higher output and employment. Such increased purchasing activity could lead to higher demand for goods and services, which could still put an upward pressure on the prices of goods and services and potentially affect inflation. To sustain this momentum, policy measures such as tax relief and subsidies should be introduced to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, improving transport and logistics infrastructure would enhance supply chain efficiency and help stabilize costs.

Download PDF