By Elizabeth Adegbesan

Firms are expecting borrowing cost for banks’ loans to decline in the next three months deapite seeing rates elevated in July.

This was contained in the Central Bank of Nigeria’s, CBN, latest Business Expectation Survey Report.

CBN said: “Respondents expect borrowing rates to remain elevated across the same periods, as indicated by the consistently positive borrowing rate indices.

“The relatively stable indices, fluctuating around 18-19 points, suggest expectations of a marginal decrease in borrowing costs over the near – to medium term.”

The survey report also showed that the Business Confidence Index was 5.7 points, reflecting continued optimistic sentiment among formal businesses on the macro economy.

According to CBN, Respondents’ positive sentiment on macro economy was largely underpinned by increased demand (22.3  percent ), economic diversification (21.4 percent) and access to finance (15 percent ), while more guarded views were primarily driven by inflation (27.7 percent), insecurity (22.4 percent) ongoing energy-related challenges (23.4 percent) and elevated geopolitical uncertainties (16.5 percent).

The outlook over the next six months, CBN maintained remains strong, with confidence indices in all sectors reflecting positive sentiment over the review periods.

During the review period, businesses identified high/multiple taxation (70.8), insecurity (69.7) and high interest rate (66.3) as the top three business constraints.

These were followed by unfavourable political climate (62.2) and high bank charges (62.0).

But competition (61.1) and unclear Economic Laws (58.4) ranked lower but remain significant.

CBN noted that at the bottom of the top ten constraints were financial constraints (56.6) and poor infrastructure (55.1) reflecting relatively lower, though still significant factors.

On expansion outlook, the electricity, water and gas sector posted the highest expansion outlook at 85.7 index points. 

Nonetheless, employment expectations in August 2026 were mostly cautious across sectors, with the Mining & Quarrying sector having the most optimistic hiring outlook.

By Yinka Kolawole

Manufacturers’ confidence in Nigeria’s business environment rebounded in the second quarter of 2026 (Q2’26) buoyed by expectations of improved government policies and a more favourable operating climate. But the sector operators have continued to grapple with high borrowing costs, inadequate power supply, foreign exchange constraints and multiple taxation.

The latest Manufacturers CEO Confidence Index (MCCI) released by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, showed that the aggregate index rose to 52.1 points in Q2 2026, up from 48.7 points in the first quarter (Q1’26) indicating a return to positive business sentiment.

Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the improvement reflected manufacturers’ optimism about the direction of government reforms rather than any significant improvement in current operating conditions.

He stated: “The increase in the MCCI to 52.1 points signals renewed confidence among manufacturers, driven largely by expectations that recent policy initiatives, including the Nigeria Industrial Policy, the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, Executive Orders 003 and 005, and the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, will improve the operating environment.”

He, however, noted that the optimism remained fragile as manufacturers continued to face severe operational challenges.

“The confidence expressed by manufacturers is largely forward-looking. Actual business and employment conditions during the second quarter remained weak, with both indicators still below the 50-point threshold, reflecting subdued business activity,” Ajayi-Kadir stated.

He listed limited access to finance, persistent electricity shortages, high production costs, inadequate foreign exchange availability, weak consumer demand and multiple taxation as the major constraints confronting manufacturers.

Ajayi-Kadir said manufacturers remained dissatisfied with the high cost of bank credit, attributing it to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, of 26.5 per cent.

“Commercial lending rates remain prohibitively high for manufacturers. The current monetary policy stance continues to constrain access to affordable financing needed for investment and expansion,” he said.

The MAN DG further expressed concern over continued regulatory bottlenecks and uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, saying manufacturers were yet to enjoy the full benefits of the reforms aimed at reducing multiple taxation and easing regulatory burdens.

Ajayi-Kadir added that although local sourcing of raw materials had improved, government ministries, departments and agencies were yet to substantially increase patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products as envisaged under the “Nigeria First” policy.

He urged the Federal Government to ensure strict compliance with the directive requiring MDAs to source at least 80 per cent of their procurement locally, while calling on the CBN to reduce the MPR to below 20 per cent and prioritise foreign exchange allocation to manufacturers to stimulate production and accelerate industrial growth.

By Rosemary Iwunze

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd have achieved another significant regulatory milestone following their inclusion among the 43 insurance and reinsurance companies that successfully met the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM)’s prescribed Minimum Capital Requirements under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

The announcement, made by NAICOM following the twelve-month insurance sector recapitalisation deadline of July 31,2026, marks a defining moment in the transformation of Nigeria’s insurance industry. It signals the emergence of a stronger, more resilient, adequately capitalised, professionally governed and policyholder-focused insurance sector that is better positioned to support national economic growth, deepen financial inclusion, mobilise long-term investment capital and contribute meaningfully to the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.

The successful compliance of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd reflects the Group’s strong financial fundamentals, prudent corporate governance, sound risk management practices and unwavering commitment to delivering lasting value to policyholders, shareholders and other stakeholders.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Managing Director of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Mr. Olufemi Asenuga, described the announcement as a defining moment for the company and the Nigerian insurance industry.

“Successfully meeting NAICOM’s recapitalisation requirements is a clear demonstration of our financial resilience, strategic foresight and commitment to sustainable growth. This milestone strengthens our capacity to underwrite larger and more complex risks, accelerate innovation and deepen customer confidence. As the insurance industry enters this new era, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is exceptionally well positioned to deliver greater value to our customers, shareholders and the Nigerian economy.”

While commending NAICOM for its visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s insurance industry through the successful recapitalisation exercise, Asenuga expressed profound appreciation to the Board of Directors, shareholders, customers, brokers, employees and all other stakeholders of Mutual Benefits for their steadfast trust, loyalty and support. He noted that this landmark achievement would not have been possible without their collective belief and commitment to the Mutual Benefits vision.

He reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to delivering innovative insurance solutions, superior customer service, digital transformation, sound corporate governance and sustainable value creation, while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Nigeria’s insurance industry.

Also speaking on the milestone, the Managing Director of Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd, Mr. Biyi Ashiru-Mobolaji, noted that the successful recapitalisation further reinforces the company’s ability to provide long-term financial security to millions of Nigerians.

“This achievement goes beyond meeting a regulatory requirement. It is a reaffirmation of our enduring promise to policyholders. Our strengthened capital base enhances our ability to honour our commitments, develop innovative life insurance and wealth creation solutions and support individuals and families as they plan confidently for the future. We remain committed to protecting lives, preserving legacies and creating lasting financial security for generations.”

With both companies successfully meeting the new capital requirements, the Mutual Benefits Group is well positioned to contribute to the next phase of growth in Nigeria’s insurance industry, while supporting national aspirations for greater financial inclusion and economic development.

The Group remains focused on expanding insurance access, investing in technology-driven customer experiences, strengthening operational excellence and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders.

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is one of Nigeria’s foremost insurance companies, providing innovative General insurance solutions that protect individuals, families, businesses and institutions. With a legacy of excellence spanning three decades, the company continues to deliver financial security through innovation, professionalism and exceptional customer service.

On its part, Mutual Benefits Life Assurance Ltd is a leading provider of life insurance, savings, investment and retirement solutions dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve long-term financial security through customer-centric and innovative insurance offerings.

The recapitalisation exercise by NAICOM was undertaken pursuant to Section 15 and other relevant provisions of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025, signed into law on July 31, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the Federal Government’s financial sector transformation agenda aimed at building a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.