Nigeria: Business freedom

The latest value from 2025 is 39 points, a decline from 43 points in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 63 points, based on data from 174 countries. Historically, the average for Nigeria from 1995 to 2025 is 52 points. The minimum value, 39 points, was reached in 2025 while the maximum of 60 points was recorded in 2021. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The Business Freedom index for Nigeria from The Heritage Foundation measures the ability to start, operate, and close a business. It reflects the overall burden of regulations and the efficiency of the government of Nigeria in the regulatory process.

Definition: The Business freedom index is based on 10 indicators, using data from the World Bank’s Doing Business study: Starting a business-procedures (number), time (days), cost (% of income per capita), and minimum capital (% of income per capita); Obtaining a license—procedures (number), time (days), and cost (% of income per capita); Closing a business—time (years), cost (% of estate), and recovery rate (cents on the dollar).