Improving the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria: Reforms to Attract Investment and Support the Private Sector
Nigeria has long struggled with challenges around the ease of doing business, which has hindered economic growth and diversification. The country ranks 131 out of 190 countries in the World Bank’s 2020 Ease of Doing Business index. This poor performance hurts job creation, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and the expansion of the private sector. However, the Nigerian government has recognized these problems and taken steps to implement reforms to improve the business environment.

Overview of Key Challenges for Businesses in Nigeria


Nigeria faces numerous difficulties in starting and operating businesses, which stem from factors like:

Complex regulatory framework: Overlapping laws and regulations across federal, state, and local levels create headaches for companies. Requirements are often ambiguous and costly to meet.
Access to credit: High lending rates and stringent collateral conditions impede SMEs from getting financing to grow their operations.
Multiple taxes: Businesses face a multiplicity of taxes, charges, and fees from different government agencies. Tax administration is opaque and complex.
Corruption: Routine demands for bribes and “facilitation payments” add to costs and delays.
Inadequate infrastructure: epileptic power supply, poor roads, and freight logistics drive up operational expenses.
Inefficient processes: bureaucracy and red tape cause delays in obtaining permits, licenses, and approvals to start and run businesses.
Weak dispute resolution: Slow and inefficient courts hamper the enforcement of contracts and the resolution of commercial disputes.
Why Improving the Ease of Doing Business Matters.
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