Macroeconomic Report & Economic Updates
December 1, 2016
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 50)
Crude oil price experienced
a mixed week from November 18 to November 25, 2016. Specifically, OPEC basket
price and Brent crude price fluctuated, to a daily average of $44.6 (from
$42.33)and $48.3 (from $46.86)per barrel
respectively. The present oil volatility is as a result of sell-offs,
attributable to speculations/fears of an insufficient production cut by OPEC (in
its bid to control oversupply) – a deal scheduled for its next meeting on
November 30th 2016. This speculations have arisen due to
the reluctance of major OPEC member country (Saudi Arabia) to participate in the
potential oil cut dealwhich could exert a downward pressure on oil
prices. However, oil prices should rise if OPEC members agree to the oil cut
deal. Irrespective of the outcome of the meeting, Nigeria is exempted from the
potential crude oil cut. Thus, it will be optimal for the government to act
quickly to address the insurgence in the Niger Delta region, in order to raise domestic oil production as much as
possible.
Related
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 30)
Power sector analysis shows an increase in
power generated by 3.01 percent from 2903.5mw to 2991.8mw between July 1, 2016
and July 8, 2016, with a peak of 3260.8mw on July 5, 2016. This is
however, still below the highest (5074.7mw) recorded in February, 2016. The
increase reflects improved use of hydro (water) for power generation.
The easing out of gas constraint occasioned by recent pipeline repairs have
also contributed to the increase in power generation. Improvements in power
generation would be sustained if hydro measures are complemented with
fast-tracked repairs on damaged gas channels and intensified efforts at
tackling pipeline sabotage.
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 39)
The monthly monetary survey by the CBN shows a decline in money supply for the month of August 2017, relative to July 2017. Narrow and broad money supply dropped by 4.2% and 1.5% to N9,891 billion and N21,851 billion respectively. The continuous monetary contraction witnessed over the past months may be associated with aggressive sale of treasury bills by the CBN through open market operations. This act is capable of mopping up liquidity in the economy, reduce loanable funds in the banking system, and constrain the easing of lending rates in the near term.