Nigeria’s private sector recorded its strongest output development in additional than 4 years in September, pushed by a surge in new orders, improved buyer demand and elevated enterprise exercise, though rising gasoline, uncooked materials and labour prices continued to place stress on firms.
The newest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report compiled by S&P Global for Stanbic IBTC Bank confirmed that the headline PMI rose for the second consecutive month to 56.4 factors in September, from 54.3 factors in August.
The newest studying, the best since February 2022, indicated a major enchancment in total private-sector enterprise circumstances and marked a stronger efficiency within the third quarter in contrast with the second quarter of 2026.
According to the report, the advance was largely pushed by the speedy improve in new orders, supported by stronger buyer demand and the introduction of recent merchandise.
New enterprise elevated for the eighth consecutive month, recording its quickest growth since February 2022. Consequently, enterprise exercise additionally grew at its sharpest tempo in additional than 4 years.
The growth was broad-based, with all 4 sectors monitored by the survey recording development in September.
To meet rising workloads, firms considerably elevated their buying actions, with some companies increase inventories in anticipation of additional enhancements in demand.
The ensuing stock accumulation was the best for the reason that finish of 2021. Improved provider efficiency additionally supported enterprise operations, with distributors recording their third consecutive month of higher supply efficiency.
Employment elevated in the course of the month, though the tempo of recruitment remained modest. Some firms relied on non permanent staff to execute particular tasks and handle rising workloads.
The further capability helped companies sustain with new orders, leading to a marginal decline in excellent work for the second consecutive month.
However, the advance in enterprise exercise got here amid mounting inflationary pressures.
The report confirmed that buy costs elevated sharply in September, with enter value inflation reaching a three-month high. Businesses attributed the rise largely to increased gasoline and transportation prices, alongside rising costs of animal feed, meals merchandise and different uncooked supplies.
Staff prices additionally elevated as employers adjusted wages to assist staff address the rising value of residing and supplied incentives to make sure well timed completion of tasks.
Consequently, companies transferred a number of the further prices to prospects by way of increased promoting costs. Output value inflation accelerated to its quickest tempo since June.
Commenting on the report, Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research, West Africa, at Stanbic IBTC Bank, stated the September PMI studying indicated a major enchancment in enterprise circumstances and a stronger third-quarter efficiency relative to the second quarter.
He stated the robust finish to the quarter urged that PMI readings had been in step with projected year-on-year GDP development of 4.56 per cent within the third quarter of 2026.
Oni additionally projected that Nigeria’s full-year financial development might attain roughly 4.4 per cent in 2026, in contrast with 3.87 per cent in 2025.
He expects the non-oil sector to carry out higher, with manufacturing recording the largest enchancment, supported by beneficial base results, whereas data and communications expertise, commerce, actual property, and finance and insurance coverage are anticipated to drive services-sector development.
Meanwhile, enterprise confidence improved in September, with firms expressing optimism in regards to the 12-month outlook. Respondents cited growth plans, together with opening new branches and exploring export alternatives.
The newest PMI efficiency suggests strengthening private-sector exercise, though sustained development will rely partly on whether or not companies can handle rising manufacturing prices with out undermining demand.
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