MAN calls for reduction in lending rate as MPC meets

As the MPC commences its quarterly meeting today, Monday, May 22, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to drop the lending rate from 14 per cent to accelerate productivity and economic growth.

The President of MAN, Mr Frank Jacobs, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

Recall that at the last Monetary Policy Committee meeting, the CBN retained a 14 per cent lending rate to commercial banks which had been in place since July 26, 2016 in its bid to check inflation and stimulate economic growth.

Jacobs urged the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to review the lending rate downward at its next meeting slated for May 22 and 23.

According to him, the high interest rate regime had stifled growth, productivity and 

He noted that with the appreciation of the naira and further drop in inflation rate, friendlier policies that would stimulate economic growth and boost production should be embraced.

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Jacobs also urged CBN to create five per cent concessionary interest rate for manufacturers to drive the nation’s diversification agenda and increase contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.

“If manufacturers have access to low interest rate as done in other climes, we will be able to employ more people and create wealth for the nation through tax,” he said.

Jacobs said that with concessionary interest rate, manufacturers would be able to expand their businesses, create wealth, boost productivity and catalyse economic transformation.

As the MPC commences its quarterly meeting today, on Monday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 23, 2017, watchers are expectant to see what new measures and rates the MPC plans to unfold in its goal of ensuring stability in the financial system.