Strengthening CBN’s independence, establishing price stability primary objective critical—IMF

Executive Directors of International Monetary Fund IMF, has  urged a decisive and effective monetary policy tightening by the CBN to avoid a de-anchoring of inflation expectations. According to a statement issued by the multilateral financial institution after its article iV meeting with Nigeria officials noting recent increases in the policy rate, encouraged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stand ready to further increase the policy rate if needed, and to implement additional actions, including fully sterilising central bank financing of fiscal deficits and phasing out credit intervention programs. Strengthening the CBN’s independence and establishing price stability as its primary objective is critical. Directors also urged the authorities to finalise securitisation of the CBN’s existing stock of overdrafts and emphasised that the CBN’s budget financing should strictly adhere to the statutory limits.

The statement said “Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. Directors welcomed the broadening of Nigeria’s economic recovery but noted that the opportunity to reap the benefits from higher global oil prices was missed. They underscored near-term downside risks arising from elevated inflation, high debt-servicing costs, external sector pressures, and oil sector volatility. Looking ahead, Directors recommended decisive fiscal and monetary tightening to secure macroeconomic stability, combined with structural reforms to improve governance, strengthen the agricultural sector, and boost inclusive, sustainable growth.

“Directors highlighted the need for bold fiscal reforms to create needed policy space, put public debt on sound footing, and reduce vulnerabilities. They urged the authorities to deliver on their commitment to remove fuel subsidies by mid-2023, and to increase well-targeted social spending. Strengthening revenue mobilisation, including through tax administration reforms, expanding the tax automation system and strengthening taxpayer segmentation, and improving tax compliance is also a priority. In the medium term, Directors recommended modernising customs administration, rationalising tax incentives, and raising tax rates to the levels of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Directors encouraged a continued move toward a unified and market-clearing exchange rate by dismantling various exchange rate windows at the CBN. Providing clarity on exchange rate policy would help boost investor confidence, quell capital outflow pressures, and rebuild buffers . They welcomed Nigeria’s intention to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“Directors welcomed the resilience of the banking sector and encouraged increased vigilance given potential risks associated with dynamic retail credit growth. They also emphasised the need to enhance the effectiveness of the AML/CFT framework and to avoid public listing by the FATF. Directors welcomed ongoing efforts to foster financial inclusion, including through the use of mobile money with appropriate regulation and supervision. Directors highlighted the importance of improving the performance of the agricultural sector for job creation and food security. They urged the authorities to implement governance reforms, including delivering on commitments from the 2020 Rapid Financing Instrument. Improving transparency and accountability in the oil sector is also key to strengthening governance”.