Cardoso Assures on Banks’ Stability, Says MPC Decisions Target Increased Purchasing Power

Cardoso Assures on Banks’ Stability, Says MPC Decisions Target Increased Purchasing Power

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its 294th meeting held on Monday and Tuesday reviewed recent economic and financial developments in the country.

In a communique issued after the meeting and signed by CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, the MPC assured of the safety and healthy nature of the country’s commercial banks, urging them to hasten up current recapitalisation efforts.

“The communique also explained the decision to raise the MPR by 200 basis points to 24.75 per cent from 22.75 per cent, adjust the asymmetric corridor around the MPR to +100/-300 basis points, retain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of Deposit Money Banks at 45.0 per cent, adjust the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of Merchant Banks from 10.0 per cent to 14.0
per cent and retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30.0 per cent.

“The considerations of the Committee at this meeting focused on the current inflationary pressures and the need to anchor inflation expectations as well as
ensure sustained exchange rate stability. These considerations underscore the importance of the CBN’s commitment to the price stability mandate and the need to urgently bring inflation under control to ensure that purchasing power
of ordinary Nigerians is restored in the short to medium term.

“Members noted the continued rise in headline inflation, driven largely by food prices because of supply shortages and high cost of logistics and distribution. The Committee, therefore, was of the view that addressing food insecurity is
key to containing current inflationary pressures. On this note, members commended the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government towards
addressing food insecurity, some of these measures include the provision of various palliatives, release of grains from the strategic reserves, distribution of seeds and fertilisers, as well as farm implements for dry season farming.

“The Committee therefore called for the full implementation of the Federal Government’s agricultural policies and programmes to improve food supply and further advised for broader fiscal consolidation particularly on the improvements of tax collection and tax-to-GDP ratio,” the communique read in part.

The Committee noted the level of stability achieved in the foreign exchange market in the last few weeks. This, in the view of members
reflects the impact of the Bank’s recent policy actions and reforms, as well as increased transparency in the market. In addition, the Committee noted the efforts of the Bank in offsetting verified foreign currency obligations, an action
that will greatly enhance investor confidence and attract foreign investments to Nigeria.

The MPC also reviewed developments in the banking system and noted that the industry remains safe, sound, and stable. The Committee thus, called on
the Bank to sustain its surveillance and ensure compliance of banks with existing regulatory and macroprudential guidelines. The MPC also enjoined the Bank to expedite action on the recapitalisation of banks to strengthen the
system against potential risks in an increasingly globalized world.

The MPC was faced with the option of either progressing with its tightening cycle or hold, to observe the impact of the previous rate hike and adjustment of the Cash Reserve Requirement. After reviewing the balance of risks and the near-term inflation outlook, members were convinced of the need to progress with the tightening cycle.

According to the document, key developments in the Domestic and Global Economies Domestic headline inflation rose further to 31.70 per cent in February 2024 from 29.90 per cent in January. Food inflation accelerated to 37.92 per cent from 35.41 per cent, while core inflation rose to 25.13 per cent from 23.59 per cent. Key drivers of inflationary pressure remain the strong exchange rate pass-through to domestic prices; rising cost of transportation; high cost of
energy and other production inputs; lingering insecurity, especially in food producing areas; and legacy infrastructure deficits.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that real GDP grew by 3.46 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared with 2.54 per cent in the
previous quarter. Staff forecasts for 2024 indicate that the Nigerian economy will grow by 3.38 per cent.

“Disruptions to the global supply chain, associated with pockets of geopolitical tensions continue to pose a key concern to monetary policy. Global inflation has however, continued to decelerate in 2024 but is expected to remain above the long-run objectives of major central banks. Interest rates of advanced economy central banks are thus expected to remain high in the short to medium
term before commencing a descent. Consequently, global financial conditions may remain tight through 2024.

“Accordingly, the Committee will continue to monitor developments in the global and domestic economies to ensure that inflationary expectations are anchored
to restore and sustain macroeconomic stability,” the communique concluded.

The next MPC meeting will be held on the 20th and 21st of May, 2024.