# Nigeria MSME operational and growth challenges > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-msme-operational-and-growth-challenges > Updated: 2026-10-22T14:19:16.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria face a variety of structural and operational hurdles that impede their ability to expand. Earlier assessments highlighted critical constraints such as inadequate access to finance, unreliable electricity, multiple taxation, and high input costs driven by exchange rate volatility. A PwC Nigeria survey noted that 69% of businesses had not received government grants in the 24 months prior to the study. More recent data indicates a shift in the primary perceived obstacle for entrepreneurs. While infrastructure and funding remain significant pressures, a survey of 495 small-business owners in October 2026 found that 57% of respondents identified customer acquisition or business visibility as their most significant challenge. This concern outweighed funding, which was cited by only 12% of those surveyed. Experts suggest that navigating these challenges requires moving toward highly targeted niche marketing to overcome high operating costs related to logistics, data, and electricity. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Nigerian SMEs face customer acquisition as primary growth hurdle A survey of Nigerian small-business owners shows 57 per cent struggle most with customer acquisition and visibility, rather than funding. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerian-smes-face-customer-acquisition-as-primary-growth-hurdle ### 2026-10-06: Nigeria’s MSMEs face critical growth constraints despite economic importance Nigeria’s MSMEs drive nearly 46% of GDP and 88% of employment but face severe challenges including limited financing, unreliable electricity, high input costs, and multiple taxation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigerias-msmes-face-critical-growth-constraints-despite-economic-importance --- Cite as: Nigeria MSME operational and growth challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-msme-operational-and-growth-challenges