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Nigeria’s Economy to Grow by 0.8% in 2017 -IMF

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  • Nigeria’s Economy to Grow by 0.8% in 2017 -IMF

The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday predicted that Nigerian economy will grow at 0.8 percent in 2017 and 1.9 percent in 2018.

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa contracted by 1.6 percent in 2016 due to global oil glut that eroded 70 percent of its foreign revenue.

However, the economy emerged from recession in the second quarter of 2017 after five consecutive quarters of contraction. This, IMF attributed to the resurgence in global oil prices and growing oil production but raised concerns about the weak banking system and policy implementation.

Economic growth in the Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to expand at 2.6 percent in 2017, up from 1.4 percent recorded in 2016. The region is projected to grow at 3.4 percent in 2018, mainly due to growing Nigeria’s oil and agricultural sectors.

The Fund, forecast weak economic growth of 0.7 percent for South Africa in 2017, saying growing political uncertainty in South Africa had plunged it business confidence despite healthy agricultural sector.

Ethiopia, one of the low-income nations is expected to grow at 8.5 percent in 2017 and 2018, while warning of food shortages and drought in South Sudan, Somalia and The Gambia.

Meanwhile, the Washington-based fund revised up global growth forecast from 3.5 percent predicted three months ago to 3.6 percent in 2017. The world economy is expected to grow at 3.7 percent rate in 2018.

Maurice Obstfeld, the IMF’s economic counsellor said; “These positive developments give good cause for greater confidence, but neither policymakers nor markets should be lulled into complacency.”

“A closer look suggests that the global recovery may not be sustainable. Not all countries are participating, inflation often remains below target, with weak wage growth, and the medium-term outlook still disappoints in many parts of the world,” Obstfeld said.

Accordingly, the IMF revised down U.K’s economic growth for 2017 by 0.3 percent to 1.7 percent, saying Brexit would weigh on the economic growth. Also, while the fund expects global economy to grow next year, the U.K. economy is projected to further slowdown to 1.5 percent in 2018.

“We forecast in the pre-referendum period, as did others, there would be long run negative effects on the British economy,” Obstfeld said. “I think we’re starting to see those.”

Canada is predicted to grow at 3 percent rate this year, the fastest among group seven nations. The U.S. 2.2 percent, Germany 2 percent, U.K. 1.7 percent, France 1.6 percent and Italy and Japan 1.5 percent each.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Economy

Nigeria’s Plan to Review Oil Companies’ Gas Flaring Strategies

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Oil

Nigeria is ramping up its efforts to address environmental concerns in the oil and gas sector with a comprehensive plan to review gas flaring strategies of international and indigenous oil companies.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, announced this initiative during a national stakeholders engagement meeting on methane mitigation and reduction held in Abuja, Investors King reports.

Gas flaring, a common practice in the oil industry, releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and posing health risks to communities near oil facilities.

Nigeria aims to end routine gas flaring by 2030, aligning with global climate goals and commitments.

Dr. Salako explained the importance of reducing methane emissions and highlighted the detrimental effects on public health, food security, and economic development.

He outlined practical steps being taken to tackle methane emissions, including the development of methane guidelines and the engagement of government institutions.

The ministry, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, will conduct periodic reviews of oil companies’ plans to ensure compliance with the gas flaring deadline.

Deloitte management consultants will assist in conducting comprehensive forensic audits to scrutinize the legitimacy of forward-contracted transactions.

President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to environmental sustainability underscores the government’s dedication to addressing climate change and fulfilling its multilateral environmental agreements.

The engagement event served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss methane mitigation strategies, existing policies, and implementation challenges.

Collaboration and dialogue among diverse sectors are crucial in charting a unified course towards sustainable methane reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

As the country navigates its environmental agenda, ensuring accountability and transparency in gas flaring practices remains paramount for achieving a greener and healthier future.

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Economy

Interest Rate Jumps to 24.75% as CBN Takes Aggressive Stance Against Inflation

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Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a significant increase in the monetary policy rate, known as the interest rate, to 24.75%.

This move disclosed by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso during the 294th Meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee press briefing in Abuja, represents a bold step by the apex bank to address the mounting inflationary pressures faced by the country.

With inflation soaring to 31.70% in February, the CBN aims to moderate this upward trend by tightening its monetary policy stance.

This decision follows the previous hike in the interest rate to 22.75% in February, showcasing the CBN’s commitment to combatting inflationary forces.

While the bank opted to maintain the Cash Reserve Ratio at 45%, the significant increase in the interest rate underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action.

Governor Cardoso emphasized that these measures are essential to stabilize the economy and safeguard the purchasing power of the Nigerian currency.

The 294th MPC marks the second meeting under Governor Cardoso’s leadership, indicating a proactive approach to addressing economic challenges.

The next MPC meeting is scheduled for May 20th and 21st, 2024, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the CBN to navigate Nigeria’s economic landscape amidst inflationary pressures.

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Economy

Nigeria Braces for 10th Consecutive Interest Rate Hike by Central Bank

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

As Nigeria grapples with persistently high inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is gearing up to implement its tenth consecutive interest rate hike in a bid to curb the soaring prices and attract investment.

Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg are anticipating a substantial 125 basis-point increase in the key rate to 24%, marking one of the most significant adjustments in the current tightening cycle.

The decision, expected to be announced by Governor Olayemi Cardoso on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Abuja, comes on the heels of inflation accelerating to 31.7% in February, far surpassing the central bank’s target range of 9%.

This surge has been primarily attributed to the sharp depreciation of the naira, prompting authorities to devalue the currency twice since June to narrow the gap with the unofficial market rate and encourage investor confidence.

While these measures have seen the naira strengthen in recent days and bolstered investment inflows, including a fourfold increase in overseas remittances and significant foreign investor portfolio asset purchases, there remains a palpable need for more decisive action.

Giulia Pellegrini, a senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, emphasized the necessity for the CBN to intensify its tightening efforts to regain foreign investors’ confidence in the local bond market.

While acknowledging the positive strides made by the central bank, Pellegrini stressed the importance of a more assertive approach to prevent the diversion of investor attention to other frontier markets.

As the Nigerian economy navigates through these challenging times, the impending interest rate hike signals the CBN’s determination to address inflation head-on and foster a more stable economic environment.

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