June 2025 Edition

APPRAISING THE GOVERNMENT POLICIES FOR ATTRACTING INVESTMENT AND PROMOTING EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN NIGERIA (2015-2025)

DR YUSUF GARBA MANJO

Abstract

Nigeria economy possesses the largest market in Africa and presents huge opportunity for investors for the sale of their products. However, the difficult of doing business in Nigeria had gained currency in national discussion in the last decade. This is because the ease of doing business report developed by World Bank, that scores and rank countries based on how easy it is to set up and operate business has been very poor in area of productive sectors of the economy. This study explores and appraises government policies designed to attract investment and promote the ease of doing business in Nigeria from 2015 to 2025, using a qualitative research approach. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, government officials, policy experts, business owners, and representatives of investment promotion agencies. Document analysis of policy papers, reports, and regulatory guidelines was conducted to provide contextual understanding. The findings reveal that while certain reforms have led to noticeable improvements, particularly in reducing administrative barriers and fostering public-private dialogue, their impact remains uneven across sectors and regions. Institutional weaknesses, lack of continuity in policy implementation, and limited stakeholder engagement were identified as recurring constraints. The study concludes that sustained progress in attracting investment and improving business environment in Nigeria depends on strengthening institutional capacity, ensuring policy coherence, and deepening stakeholder participation in the reform process. It recommends a more inclusive and transparent policy framework that reflects the lived experiences of investors and entrepreneurs, particularly at the subnational level.

Keywords

Ease of doing business, Promotion, Investment, Appraisal and Policy.

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