Small businesses across Nigeria continued to face significant economic challenges as the prolonged downturn placed increasing pressure on entrepreneurs, traders and operators in the informal sector. Declining consumer spending, reduced business activity and operational restrictions forced many enterprises to scale down production, reduce their workforce or suspend operations temporarily in an effort to remain financially viable. Business owners reported persistent difficulties in maintaining supply chains, meeting operational expenses and accessing affordable credit needed to sustain their activities during the period of economic uncertainty. Informal sector workers, who rely heavily on daily commercial transactions, also experienced substantial income losses as reduced market activities affected their ability to earn a living. Economic analysts observed that small and medium-sized enterprises remained among the sectors most vulnerable to prolonged economic disruptions because of limited financial reserves and restricted access to formal financing. They noted that strengthening the resilience of small businesses would be critical to protecting employment, supporting domestic production and accelerating economic recovery. Financial experts called on policymakers to expand intervention programmes by improving access to low-interest loans, providing targeted financial relief and creating policies that encourage business growth and investment. They also emphasized the need to simplify lending procedures and improve support services for entrepreneurs seeking to rebuild their businesses. Stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger government interventions, combined with improved access to finance and a more stable economic environment, would enable small businesses to recover, create jobs and continue contributing to Nigeria's long-term economic development.