The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed restrictions that previously prevented banks using its Standing Lending Facility, or discount window, from simultaneously participating in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market and primary auctions of government securities. The move took immediate effect following a review of conditions in the FX, money and fixed-income markets. On paper,…
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its ex-depot prices for petrol and diesel, cutting petrol to ₦1,165 per liter and diesel to ₦1,570 per liter. The refinery said the move is aimed at improving energy affordability and access to locally refined products. The important question now is not just how much Dangote has cut its…
The naira is facing renewed pressure in the parallel market, with the dollar selling for around ₦1,420, even as the Central Bank of Nigeria insists that the foreign exchange market is becoming more stable. The latest parallel-market rate is notably higher than the official rate, which has been trading around ₦1,362–₦1,369 per dollar. Recent market…
Nigeria’s latest move to refinance Project Gazelle is less significant because of the headline $4.5 billion figure and more because of what the restructuring could change about the country’s access to cash. The National Economic Council has approved a new $4.5 billion financing arrangement, Project Gazelle 2, to refinance the outstanding balance of about $1.5…
The Federal Government has announced plans to begin phasing out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of broader reforms aimed at restoring financial sustainability to Nigeria’s power sector. Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe disclosed the plan during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, saying the current subsidy regime has become unsustainable due to mounting…
The Federal Government has explained how savings from the removal of fuel and foreign exchange subsidies have been spent, saying the funds have largely gone into servicing debt, paying higher salaries under the new minimum wage, and financing student loans rather than being left idle. Speaking at the 7th African Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja,…
Nigeria is facing renewed economic pressure as exceptionally high interest rates combine with renewed weakness in the naira, raising concerns over borrowing costs, business activity and household purchasing power. The Central Bank of Nigeria has maintained its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate at 26.5 per cent, following its July 20–21 Monetary Policy Committee meeting. The decision…
Nigeria’s public debt has exceeded the government’s debt sustainability threshold after the Federal Government borrowed 61.2% more than originally budgeted to finance a wider-than-expected fiscal deficit in 2024, according to data from the Budget Office analyzed by BusinessDay. The report showed that total public debt rose to ₦144.67 trillion, pushing the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio to…
Nigeria’s naira remained relatively stable on Tuesday, supported by the country’s strong external reserves, even as the Nigerian stock market slipped into negative territory on renewed profit-taking by investors. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s external reserves currently stand at $52.73 billion, helping to sustain confidence in the foreign exchange market. On the official Nigerian Foreign…
Fresh concerns are emerging over Nigeria’s inflation outlook after broad money supply continued to expand while global crude oil prices climbed back toward the $100 per barrel mark, increasing the likelihood of higher fuel and transport costs in the coming weeks. Recent financial data show liquidity in the Nigerian economy has continued to rise, reflecting…
