Economy
CBN targets single-digit inflation in three years
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set its sights on reducing inflation to a single digit in the medium to long term, following the recent rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and subsequent decline in inflation to 24.48 per cent.
CBN Governor, Dr Olayemi Cardoso, who spoke yesterday at a press briefing after the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of 2025, reiterated the apex bank’s commitment to orthodox monetary policies, noting that the positive outcomes so far indicate that inflation is trending downward.
He said that after two days of deliberation, the MPC decided to maintain all key monetary policy parameters, including the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 27.50 per cent, the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +500/-100 basis points, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 50.00 per cent for Deposit Money Banks and 16.00 per cent for Merchant Banks, and the Liquidity Ratio at 30.00 per cent.
Clarifying the impact of the rebased CPI, Cardoso explained that the lower inflation figure should not be misinterpreted.
He underlined the need to analyse more data before drawing comparisons, noting that the CBN is currently assessing the figures and will provide further guidance in due course.
Despite the complexities, he pointed out that inflation is gradually declining, supported by the recent stability and appreciation of the foreign exchange rate, with the differential between the official and parallel markets now less than one percent.
He stressed the critical importance of collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities in sustaining recent economic improvements.
He cited the recent Monetary Policy Forum as an example, where stakeholders from the organised private sector, Bureau de Change operators, and government representatives, including the Minister of Finance, participated.
Cardoso noted that both sides are committed to deepening their dialogue and holding regular meetings to address key economic issues proactively.
Addressing concerns about the impact of elevated borrowing costs on economic growth, the CBN Governor assured that the apex bank’s primary objective is to stabilize the foreign exchange and financial markets.
He expressed confidence that such stability would attract increased foreign investments, stimulating the much-needed economic growth.
He also highlighted the competitiveness of the Nigerian currency, which has spurred growing interest from international investors.
Cardoso said that improved oil production, reaching 1.54 million barrels per day by the end of January 2025, would strengthen Nigeria’s current account position and positively impact external reserves. Despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges, the MPC observed that the banking sector remains resilient. However, the Committee urged the CBN to maintain vigilant oversight, particularly in light of ongoing banking system recapitalisation, ensuring that only quality capital is injected.
The MPC noted several factors expected to positively influence price dynamics in the near to medium term, including the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market, the moderation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, and the federal government’s efforts to improve security in food-producing areas.
The Committee emphasised the need for continued collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities to maintain and build upon these gains.
Additionally, the MPC acknowledged improvements in the external sector, with the convergence of exchange rates between the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.
The Committee commended CBN’s recent measures, such as the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System and the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Code, aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in the forex market.
The MPC expressed confidence that recent monetary and fiscal policy measures would attract increased foreign direct investment, portfolio inflows, and diaspora remittances as investor confidence grows.
The Committee also assured of its commitment to sustaining these measures to anchor inflation expectations, ease exchange rate pressures, deepen financial inclusion, and enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanisms.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has increased the price of petrol at its retail stations in Abuja and nearby areas from ₦1,250 to ₦1,270 per litre.
The Genius Media Nigeria understands that the latest adjustment means customers buying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from NNPCL stations now pay ₦20 more for each litre than they did previously.
According to report, retailers such as MRS, Geregu, Ranoil, Emedab and Mobil are selling below the new NNPCL price.
MRS stations adjusted their price upward by ₦20, but their petrol was still being sold at about ₦1,230 per litre. This leaves a ₦40 difference between the MRS price and the new NNPCL rate.
However, not all filling stations are selling below NNPCL.
Some outlets, including Empire and AA Rano, were reported to be charging between ₦1,275 and ₦1,299 per litre, putting their prices above the state-owned company’s latest rate.
The latest NNPCL price also comes as international crude oil prices have been moving lower.
Brent crude was trading around $88.80 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at about $81.86 per barrel at the time of the report.
In other news, the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have been commended for “remarkable progress” in restoring confidence, increasing production and attracting fresh investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The Citizens Forum for Energy Accountability and Development (CFEAD) said the recent achievements announced by NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, and NUPRC Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, demonstrated that sustained institutional reforms and stronger operational discipline could reposition the petroleum industry as a major driver of economic growth.
The United Kingdom has introduced new restrictions on a chemical commonly used in some gel nail polishes amid concerns over its potential impact on fertility and reproductive health.
The restriction targets trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide, commonly known as TPO, a photoinitiator that enables gel polish to harden when exposed to UV light and helps improve its durability and colour retention.
Under the new rules, which took effect on Saturday across England, Wales and Scotland, manufacturers are no longer permitted to place new TPO-containing cosmetic products on the UK market.
However, beauty salons have been given until February 14, 2027, to stop using existing products containing the chemical, meaning customers could still encounter TPO-based gel polishes during the transition period.
The move follows concerns arising from animal studies that have linked TPO exposure to possible reproductive and fertility problems. The European Union introduced a similar prohibition in September 2025.
The restrictions have nevertheless attracted debate within the cosmetics industry. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association has maintained that the concentration of TPO used in nail products is significantly lower than levels associated with harmful effects.
The UK decision is therefore expected to intensify discussions within the beauty industry over whether precautionary restrictions should take priority where potential reproductive risks remain under investigation.
Investors in the Nigerian stock market recorded a cumulative loss of N5.45 trillion as the equities market extended its bearish run to an eighth consecutive session at the close of trading session on Thursday night, August 20..
Equities listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, NGX, have continued to experience significant declines since Tuesday, August 11, 2026 but last week, investors on the NGX lost N3.8 trillion in four consecutive bearish sessions.
From Monday to Thursday this week, stocks on the NGX have lost a total of N1.65 trillion meaning that the combined losses recorded over the last eight trading sessions amounted to N5.45 trillion, wiping out previous gains in the market.
The market extended its bearish run on Thursday as investors lost N440 billion, driven by continued profit-taking in large- and mid-cap stocks.
Market capitalisation declined by 0.30 per cent, or N440 billion, from N155.417 trillion at the opening of trading to N154.977 trillion at the close.
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