Expert warns against further tightening of Nigeria’s monetary policy rate MPR

An economic expert, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, has advised against further tightening of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, Ekechukwu, a former president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed concern about the potential negative effects of such a move, especially as the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) convened for its 298th meeting on Monday and Tuesday.

Ekechukwu compared the current economic situation to an ailment that requires two different treatments.

He argued that relying solely on one approach—further tightening of the MPR—would not effectively tackle the country’s inflation challenges. “If a patient continues to use one medication and even increases its dosage without adding the second medication, that patient will never get well,” he explained.

The economist emphasized that while tightening the monetary policy may have some effect, it is not the sole solution to Nigeria’s inflation problem. Other factors, he said, have a greater influence on inflation rates.

Additionally, he cautioned that further hikes in the MPR would continue to strain the financial system, raising borrowing costs and, ultimately, burdening consumers already grappling with economic hardship.

“I do not expect any further tightening of the monetary policy,” Ekechukwu concluded.

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The MPC had previously raised the MPR by 50 basis points to 27.25% from 26.75% at its 297th meeting in September, marking the fifth consecutive rate hike under the leadership of CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso.

Since taking office, Cardoso has overseen a series of aggressive hikes, including a 400 basis-point increase to 22.75% in February, followed by additional hikes throughout the year.

As of now, the MPR has risen by a total of 850 basis points under Cardoso’s tenure, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s high inflation rates, particularly in food and core inflation.