The Central Bank of Nigeria has cut its Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5% to 23%, delivering a 350-basis-point reduction that marks a major shift in the country’s interest-rate environment. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced the decision on September 22, 2026, after the 307th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee in Abuja. The previous rate of…
The Nigerian naira strengthened against the US dollar on Tuesday, September 22, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cut its benchmark interest rate by 350 basis points to 23 per cent. The dollar closed at ₦1,327.78 at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), compared with ₦1,329.80 in the previous session. In the parallel market,…
Nigeria’s economic managers have taken a step toward making fiscal and monetary policy work more closely together, with Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso signing a new Memorandum of Understanding on September 21, 2026. The Nigeria fiscal-monetary policy coordination MoU creates a formal framework for regular consultation, information sharing…
Nigeria’s high-interest-rate environment is creating an unusual winner among the country’s biggest businesses. Nigerian listed companies generated ₦179.5 billion in finance income in H1 2026, a 174% increase from ₦65.6 billion recorded a year earlier. The surge shows that for companies sitting on large amounts of cash, the CBN interest rates are becoming an important…
The naira’s latest gain may look like another small move in the foreign exchange market, but the more important story is what the Central Bank of Nigeria is changing behind the scenes. The CBN has removed restrictions that previously prevented banks active in the foreign exchange market and government securities from accessing its Discount Window….
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 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…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all banks and other regulated financial institutions to immediately freeze accounts, assets, and financial transactions linked to six individuals and four Bureau De Change (BDC) operators over alleged involvement in terrorism financing. The directive, contained in a circular dated June 24, 2026, follows an update to the…
Nigeria’s financial sector is entering a new phase as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moves to strengthen control over the country’s digital payment ecosystem, while the nation’s foreign exchange position continues to improve. The apex bank has directed banks, fintech companies, mobile money operators, and other payment service providers to store all payment transaction…
