Business Top Story Trade

Mixed trade picture for Nigeria: Export prices rise, import costs climb

Nigeria’s trade picture for Q4 2023 shows a mixed bag, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report on Commodity Price Indices and Terms of Trade. While export prices edged up, import costs rose at a faster pace, leading to a slight decline in the overall terms of trade. “The All-commodity group export price Read More…

Banking Business Top Story

Central Bank of Nigeria raises minimum capital requirements for banks to ₦500bn

In a significant move, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced new minimum capital requirements for banks, aiming to bolster their financial stability and enhance their capacity to support the Nigerian economy. Here are the key details: New Capital Thresholds: Implementation Timeline: Strategies for Compliance: The CBN encourages banks to explore various avenues to Read More…

Getty Images
Business Debt Top Story

Lagos tops Nigerian states in debt as national public debt reaches N97.34 trillion

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released a concerning report on Nigeria’s public debt stock, which has surged to N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023. This represents a 10.73% increase from the previous quarter, with Lagos State leading the charge in both domestic and external debts. The NBS report indicates Read More…

Bloomberg via Getty Images
Business Forex

Naira gains strength as CBN tightens monetary policy

The Nigerian Naira saw a notable appreciation against the US dollar, closing at N1,300 per dollar, a 5.97% increase at the official market by Wednesday’s end. This marked improvement from Tuesday’s rate of N1,383 per dollar is a reflection of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent monetary policy actions. The trading session witnessed a Read More…

Business Monetary Policy Top Story

CBN’s MPC hikes monetary policy rate to 24.75% amid economic challenges

In a decisive move to address the economic challenges facing Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 200 basis points, setting it at 24.75% from the previous 22.75%. The MPR, a critical financial tool, influences the rate at which banks lend to each other Read More…

Business Insurance

Nigerian insurance sector surges with N1.003 trillion gross premium in Q4 2023

The Nigerian Insurance industry has recorded a remarkable growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, with the Gross Premium Written reaching a staggering N1.003 trillion. This figure marks a significant 27% increase from the N790 billion reported in the previous year. “The statistics reflect a robust upward trajectory in the market’s performance as the year Read More…

AFP via Getty Images
Business Forex Monetary Policy Top Story

Naira hits new record low amid dollar truggle

Despite Central Bank efforts, currency plunges below parallel market rates In a disconcerting turn of events, Nigeria’s naira has plummeted to a new record low during intraday trading on Thursday, as reported by FMDQ Exchange data. This decline occurred despite the central bank’s vigorous efforts to stabilize the currency by selling dollars and infusing liquidity Read More…

Business Inflation Monetary Policy Top Story

Nigeria braces for double-barrelled rate hike to tame inflation, boost Naira

Brace yourselves, Nigerians! The nation stands on the cusp of two potentially aggressive interest rate hikes in quick succession, a Reuters poll revealed on Friday. This bold move aims to curb soaring inflation and bolster the battered naira currency. After a two-meeting hiatus, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is poised to hold its first Read More…

State House, Abuja
Business Economy Top Story

Nigeria eyes growth despite challenges, President Tinubu reassures investors

President Bola Tinubu is determined to steer Nigeria through economic headwinds, emphasising his unwavering commitment to reforms and investments that support businesses and create opportunities for the growing population. “We are right in the middle of a challenging stage of our reforms. We have headwinds, no doubt, but we are not going back,” he declared Read More…