Nigeria’s business environment has come under scrutiny once again as the country recorded a drop in the latest World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, raising concerns about competitiveness and investor confidence.

The ranking, which evaluates regulations and reforms across 190 economies, shows Nigeria struggling in critical areas such as electricity access, contract enforcement, property registration, and cross-border trade.

Despite past reforms aimed at simplifying company registration and improving access to credit, stakeholders say inconsistent policies, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and infrastructure gaps continue to frustrate entrepreneurs and discourage foreign investment.

Nigeria now trails behind several African peers, including Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa, which have made stronger progress in improving their business climates.

Analysts warn that unless Nigeria tackles structural challenges and commits to sustained reforms, the country risks missing out on its potential as a hub for regional and global investment.

The Ease of Doing Business Index has long been a key benchmark for international investors assessing market opportunities, and Nigeria’s performance is expected to influence future economic partnerships.