Godwin Emefiele CBN
BreakingBusinessTrending Story

CBN reacts to Economic Summit Group’s criticism of economic recovery measures, blames 60 % drop in national revenue, forex inflows

99

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said on Wednesday that the over 60 percent reduction in revenues accruable to the Federation Account, significant drop in foreign currency inflows, and a rise in inflation due to the exchange rate have impacted negatively on the country’s economy.

It also said the Nigerian economy was not immune to the global economic crises occasioned by COVID-19 lockdown.

The Apex Bank’s statement came against the backdrop of a press release titled, “Matters of Urgent Attention” by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) which calls into question some of the measures taken by the CBN to support the stability of our financial system and enable faster recovery of our economy following the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria.

“As we all are aware, the impact of COVID-19 on countries across the world resulted in a significant downturn in the global economy. Consequently, countries including Nigeria were forced to impose lockdown measures in order to contain the spread of the pandemic.

“This action resulted in depressed economic activity in the first half of the year. Except for China and Vietnam, advanced, emerging and frontier market economies, all experienced significant negative growth in the first half of 2020, and some are currently in a recession.

“In response to these unfortunate events across the globe, central banks have embarked on measures aimed at stabilizing their respective economies by reducing lending rates, which declined to negative territory in several advanced economies, in addition to increasing the scale of their asset purchase programmes.

“It is, therefore, pertinent to state that the Nigerian economy is not immune from these crises given the over 65 percent drop in commodity prices; disruptions in global supply chains and the unprecedented outflow of over $100bn of debt and equity funds from emerging markets between March and May 2020; in addition to the impact of the lockdown on economic activities.

“These activities resulted in an over 60 percent reduction in revenues due to the Federation Account, a significant drop in foreign currency inflows, which led to downward adjustments in the naira/dollar exchange rate and a rise in inflation due to the exchange rate pass through effect of imported inflation,’’ the CBN said in a statement made available to Persecondnews.

It stated: “Indeed, after reducing its Federal Funds rate to 0 percent, the US Federal Reserve Bank implemented a huge securities purchase programme, which included purchase of corporate bonds (including those below investment grades).

“The Reserve Bank also provided credit facilities to non-bank institutions which included, money market funds and corporations. The balance sheet of the US Federal Reserve in support of these activities increased by over $3 trillion, while the European Central Bank expanded its balance sheet by over $1 trillion.

“Furthermore, the Bank of England in an unusual move gave an open check to the UK Government in order to fund its recovery efforts.’

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Updated: We raised interest rate to 24.75 percent to fight inflation – CBN

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)...

Don’t sell dollar above N1,269, CBN orders Bureau de Change

As part of measures to strengthen the naira against the dollar, the...

Dani Alves pays €1m bail, set to leave Spanish jail

Former Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain,...

World TB Day: 70 percent of TB cases in Africa now being diagnosed and treated – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that about 70 percent of...

Dangote set to disburse N15bln food items to 774 LGAs to cushion harsh economic conditions

Nigerian businessman and industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote says he has allocated N15...

13th AAG: Tobi Amusan wins gold in women’s 100m hurdles

The Nigerian sprint star, Tobi Amusan, won gold in the women’s 100m...

Naira strengthens to N1400/$ at parallel market as speculators sell

The naira strengthened on Wednesday to close at N1400/$1 in the parallel...

Just In: Zenith Bank names Adaora Umeoji as its first female Group Managing Director

The Board Directors of Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment the...

Nigerian Business Community to FG: Use Ghana Trade Office to solve our problems

The Nigerian business community in Ghana has urged the federal government to...

FG approves N12.7bln for mass metering of army barracks nationwide

The Federal Government says it has released N12.7 billion to provide electricity...

Heirs Holdings tells story of transformational investment in Africa, launches its first-ever TV commercial

Heirs Holdings has launched its first-ever television commercial (TVC), showcasing the company’s...

Aig-Imoukhuede, co-founder, returns to Access Holdings as Chairman

Access Holdings PIc has announced the return of Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as...

CBN to sanction MfBs over late non-rendition of statutory monthly returns

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all microfinance banks (MfBs)...

In a great leap forward, Heirs Holdings launches Heirs Technologies, set to lead Africa’s digital evolution

Heirs Holdings, a leading African investment company dedicated to improving lives and...

Women’s Day: Tinubu felicitates women, vows to prioritise their welfare, rights

President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritize the welfare of women, protect...

All African Games: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles start their campaign on a losing note

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign in the men’s football...

Transcorp Group announces listing of Transcorp Power Plc by introduction on Nigerian Exchange’s Main Board March 4

Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) wishes to announce the listing of its...

CBN to sell N1.64trn Treasury bills in Q2 2024

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will sell Treasury...

Nigeria lacks sufficient reserves to tackle FX demands, backlog in the market, says expert

An economist, Mr. Esili Eigbe, has said Nigeria lacked sufficient reserves to...

CBN to sell dollar at N1,301 to authorized BDC

In its bid to increase liquidity, strengthen the naira, and curb distortion...