Governor Olayemi Cardoso made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that the decision was unanimous among committee members. 

Alongside the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for commercial banks remains fixed at 50%, while mortgage banks continue with 16%. The Liquidity Ratio (LR) stays at 30%, and the asymmetric corridor remains unchanged at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR.

This decision is coming against the backdrop of slightly improving inflation figures. Nigeria’s inflation rate eased to 23.7% in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. That figure, though still high, provided a narrow window for policymakers to pause further tightening.

Cardoso offered a measured explanation for the committee’s choice: “The committee unanimously agreed to retain MPR at 27.50 percent.” The rationale, he said, was based on ongoing economic adjustments and the need to consolidate recent gains.

This pause is a cautious departure from a series of previous hikes. Since mid-2023, the CBN has steadily increased rates in a bid to fight inflation and manage currency volatility. The current move, while conservative, signals a wait-and-see approach amid fragile macroeconomic conditions.

We’re also watching the naira. As of last week, the official exchange rate hovered around N1,598.72 per dollar, with the parallel market offering slightly worse at N1,635. This narrowing gap is one of the few indicators suggesting some stability, though risks remain.

Inflation is the major concern. Food prices continue to stretch household incomes, and insecurity in food-producing states only complicates matters. “Members, however, were not oblivious to the risk of persisting inflationary pressures driven largely by food prices,” Cardoso said at the briefing.

From where we stand, it’s obvious that the CBN is trying to strike a balance. They’re holding the line, hoping that prior policies begin to bite, but also ready to act again if inflation refuses to budge. The decision to maintain high reserve requirements for banks also sends a strong message, liquidity will be tightly managed.

In plain terms, the CBN is being careful. There’s no rush to ease. No gamble. Just methodical restraint in the hope that inflation softens, the currency strengthens, and confidence returns.

The next MPC meeting is expected to take place in the coming weeks. By then, we’ll have fresh inflation numbers, a better sense of GDP growth, and perhaps a clearer picture of how long this high-interest-rate environment can be sustained.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Tuesday ordered forfeiture to the Federal Government, of Sigma Golf Nig. Ltd. rights, title and interest in 6,250,000,000 units of the Keystone Bank Ltd. ordinary shares of N1.00 each.

Following this forfeiture of shares, there have been uncertainties regarding the operation of the Keystone Bank, especially the safety of depositors’ funds.

To disabuse the agitated minds of the customers, the apex bank in Nigeria reassured citizens of the bank’s continued operation.

A statement signed by Hakama Sidi Alli, the acting director, Corporate Communications at the Central Bank, reads:

“Following the court order that the shares of Keystone Bank Limited previously held by the shareholders be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to reassure the public that Keystone Bank Limited remains safe, sound, and fully operational.”

“We acknowledge that this development may have triggered customer concerns, however, we wish to underscore that the stability of the banking system and the safety of depositors’ funds remain our top priority. Keystone Bank’s operations are entirely secure, and there is no need for concern.”

The apex bank assures the customers that their funds remain intact and no need for concern.

It further emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the interests of customers, depositors, and stakeholders.

The apex bank, in a statement signed by Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs.), its acting director, Corporate Communications, today June 03, 2024, said the move is in accordance with CBN’s mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020.

“This action has become necessary due to the bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020. The Board and Management of the [Heritage] bank have not been able to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability. This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline. Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby making the revocation of the license the next necessary step.

“Consequently, the CBN has taken this action to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and ensure that the soundness of our financial system is not impaired.

“The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is hereby appointed as the Liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing. The action we are taking today reflects our continued commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system”.

The apex bank said on Friday that it had changed its stance on crypto assets in the country and asked banks to disregard its earlier ban on crypto transactions.

This is contained in a circular dated December 22, 2023, with reference number FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/002/003, and signed by Haruna Mustafa, the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department,.

The circular is tagged ‘Circular to all Banks and other Financial Institutions Guidelines on Operations of Bank Accounts for Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASPS).’

The apex bank stated that current trends globally showed the need for crypto regulation.

It said, “The CBN in February 2021 issued a circular restricting banks and other financial institutions from operating accounts for cryptocurrency service providers in view of the money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities inherent in their operations as well as the absence of regulations and consumer protection measures.

“However, current trends globally have shown that there is need to regulate Virtual Assets Service Providers (V/ASPs) which activities of virtual assets service cryptocurrencies and crypto assets. Following this development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2018 also updated its Recommendation 15 to require VASPs to be regulated to prevent misuse of virtual assets for ML/TF/PF Furthermore, Section 30 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 recognizes VASPs as part of the definition of a financial institution.

“In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission in May 2022 issued Rules on Issuance, Offering and Custody of Digital Assets and VASPs to provide a regulatory framework for their operations in Nigeria.

“In view of the foregoing, the CBN hereby issues this guideline to provide guidance to financial institutions under its regulatory purview in respect of their banking relationship with VASPs in Nigeria.”

The apex bank noted that this new guideline supersedes its old ones referenced FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/06/010 of January 12, 2017, and BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001 of February 5, 2021 on the subject.

It also affirmed that banks and other financial institutions are still prohibited from holding, trading and/or transacting in virtual currencies on their own account.

It added all banks and other financial institutions are required to immediately comply with its new guideline. In its circular with reference number BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/014/001, dated February 5, 2021, the apex bank reminded banks that dealing in crypto currencies or facilitating payments for crypto exchanges was prohibited.

At the time, it asked banks to identify persons or entities transacting in or operating crypto exchanges within their systems and ensure that their accounts were closed. (Daily Trust)

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