Nigerian businesses continue to face severe credit constraints even as inflationary pressures ease, highlighting a disconnect between macroeconomic stabilization and corporate liquidity.

The persistent shortage of available lending is exacerbating operational challenges for firms across the economy, particularly in the industrial sector.

3% year-on-year in May, marking its steepest decline in more than a year.

The impact on real economic activity is evident in recent production data.

Nigeria’s manufacturing sector contracted by 4.3% year-on-year in May, marking its steepest decline in more than a year.

This contraction underscores the enduring pressure on industrial output driven by elevated input costs and limited access to working capital.

The root of the financing gap lies in a structural shift within the country’s corporate financing landscape.