CBN’s Rising MPR: Fighting Inflation or Straining Growth?
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has consistently increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) since February 2024 to combat runaway inflation and regulate money supply. Under the leadership of Governor Yemi Cardoso, this approach highlights a determined effort to restore macroeconomic stability amid complex challenges.
Key Updates:
MPR Hike Timeline:
• February 2024: Raised from 18.75% to 22.75%—an unprecedented jump.
• March 2024: MPR increased to 24.75% and later to 26.25%.
• Latest Adjustment: MPR stands at 27.50%, a 25 basis point rise.
Why the Hikes?
• Inflation hit 33.9%, driven by:
• Rising transportation costs
• Exchange rate volatility
• Money supply growth (from N1.4 trillion to over N4.1 trillion in 2024).
• Experts like Bismark Rewane argue the MPR hikes “slap inflation,” while Governor Cardoso emphasizes data-driven decisions to stabilize prices over time.
Economic Context
1. Fuel Subsidy Removal & Exchange Rate Floating—key reforms meant to plug financial leakages and boost foreign reserves—initially exacerbated inflation.
2. Analysts suggest a “Volcker Effect”: The MPR increases mirror strategies used by Paul Volcker, former US Fed Chairman, who crushed inflation at the cost of short-term recession.
However, Uzor Okafor notes Nigeria’s inflation is cost-push, requiring a more nuanced strategy beyond rate hikes alone.
Outlook for 2025
While monetary policies take time to show results, the synergy between President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Cardoso’s leadership is expected to yield economic growth by Q1 2025.
The Big Question: Can MPR hikes rein in inflation without stifling economic growth? Time will tell, but experts agree—“no pain, no gain.”
Stay updated for more on Nigeria’s monetary landscape!
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has consistently increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) since February 2024 to combat runaway inflation and regulate money supply. Under the leadership of Governor Yemi Cardoso, this approach highlights a determined effort to restore macroeconomic stability amid complex challenges.
Key Updates:
MPR Hike Timeline:
• February 2024: Raised from 18.75% to 22.75%—an unprecedented jump.
• March 2024: MPR increased to 24.75% and later to 26.25%.
• Latest Adjustment: MPR stands at 27.50%, a 25 basis point rise.
Why the Hikes?
• Inflation hit 33.9%, driven by:
• Rising transportation costs
• Exchange rate volatility
• Money supply growth (from N1.4 trillion to over N4.1 trillion in 2024).
• Experts like Bismark Rewane argue the MPR hikes “slap inflation,” while Governor Cardoso emphasizes data-driven decisions to stabilize prices over time.
Economic Context
1. Fuel Subsidy Removal & Exchange Rate Floating—key reforms meant to plug financial leakages and boost foreign reserves—initially exacerbated inflation.
2. Analysts suggest a “Volcker Effect”: The MPR increases mirror strategies used by Paul Volcker, former US Fed Chairman, who crushed inflation at the cost of short-term recession.
However, Uzor Okafor notes Nigeria’s inflation is cost-push, requiring a more nuanced strategy beyond rate hikes alone.
Outlook for 2025
While monetary policies take time to show results, the synergy between President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Cardoso’s leadership is expected to yield economic growth by Q1 2025.
The Big Question: Can MPR hikes rein in inflation without stifling economic growth? Time will tell, but experts agree—“no pain, no gain.”
Stay updated for more on Nigeria’s monetary landscape!
