The World Economic Outlook report, recently released by the World Bank, reduced its growth projection for Nigeria to 2.1 percent in 20181, from 2.5 percent2. The new growth projection is considerably lower than the 3.5 percent 2018 growth rate projected by the federal government of Nigeria. However, at 2.1 percent, the growth is a significant improvement from actual 2017 growth rate of 0.83 percent; and this outlook has been hinged on improving oil prices, revenue and production, and foreign exchange measures that contribute to better foreign exchange availability.
Macroeconomic Report & Economic Updates
March 8, 2018
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 16)
The World Economic Outlook report, recently released by the World Bank, reduced its growth projection for Nigeria to 2.1 percent in 20181, from 2.5 percent2. The new growth projection is considerably lower than the 3.5 percent 2018 growth rate projected by the federal government of Nigeria. However, at 2.1 percent, the growth is a significant […]
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Africa Economic Update (Issue 4)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised down growth forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa by 0.2 percentage points, while retaining growth estimates for Nigeria and South Africa in 2017. Precisely, growth rate forecast for Africa was reduced from 2.8 percent in January 2017 forecast to 2.6 percent in April 2017 forecast while growth estimates were retained at 0.8 percent for both South Africa and Nigeria. In contrast, global economic growth outlook was increased by 0.4 percentage points from 3.1 percent to 3.5 percent within the same period. Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is hampered by adverse cyclical and supply side factors, weak fiscal buffers and rising public debt amongst non-commodity exporters as well as severe drought was experienced in Eastern and Southern Africa
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 3)
Provisional Monetary
statistics by the CBN show an increase in currency in circulation a portion
of overall money supply. Specifically, currency in circulation rose
(Month-on-Month) by 14.2 percent to N2.2 million in December 2016
the highest Month-on-Month increase recorded for the year 2016. The rise in currency-
outside-bank may be attributed to the growing demand for cash balances for
spending activities during the festive period. This development would largely compound
the liquidity problem associated with TSA implementation and ongoing CBN
monetary tightening as deposit money banks might be cash-strapped. Going
forward, efforts should be geared towards intensifying initiatives that promote
a cashless economy that encourages cashless transactions.
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 6)
Latest figures of FDI flows to Nigeria show
a decline of 27 per cent from $4.7 billion in 2014 to $3.4 billion in 20152,
representing its lowest value since 2005. This decline is largely attributed to
the oil price slump, which has generally increased uncertainty in the economy,
with adverse effects on investors confidence. The fall in FDI flows was
witnessed in most resource based economies in Africa, as FDI flows to the
continent fell by 31 percent in 2015. The forex controls in place in Nigeria
has also exacerbated the uncertainty in economy, and created obstacles for both
domestic and foreign investors. Thus a review of the forex restrictions could
send positive signals to investors.