CBN cilja jednociftrenu inflaciju do 2027. unatoč globalnim šokovima

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that lower denomination naira notes remain legal tender, but the scarcity of such notes is primarily due to shifting consumer preferences and the increasing reliance on digital payment methods. Governor Olayemi Cardoso made this clarification during the press briefing following the 306th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. He emphasized that the reduced availability of smaller denomination currencies reflects a broader trend toward financial inclusion and digitization, rather than a deliberate withdrawal by the central bank. Cardoso addressed concerns raised by citizens and businesses regarding the limited circulation of lower value notes and coins. He reiterated that while the CBN has not issued any directive to remove these denominations from circulation, their usage has decreased because of changing payment habits. “To the extent that the Central Bank has not said otherwise, please assume they are legal tender,” he said. This statement came in response to questions about the validity of the 100 naira notes, which the CBN reaffirmed as legal tender on 8 July. The governor highlighted that the financial system is undergoing a transformation, with more Nigerians adopting electronic payment platforms and mobile money solutions. This shift, he argued, reduces the necessity for physical cash, especially in everyday transactions. “The question as to why we do not have as many of them in circulation as may be perceived is a question of demand and supply, quite frankly,” Cardoso said. He pointed out that the Payments System Vision (PSV 2028), launched recently by the CBN, aims to accelerate financial inclusion through digital infrastructure and improved access to banking services. Cardoso also acknowledged that the depreciation of the naira has diminished the purchasing power of lower denomination notes. However, he maintained that the global movement toward digitization is irreversible. “The world is moving in a particular direction, and we won’t be left out,” he said. He cited examples of Nigerian citizens using local currency cards for international transactions, including pilgrimages to Mecca, as evidence of the growing integration of digital systems. In addition to addressing the issue of currency denominations, Cardoso outlined other key developments from the MPC meeting. Nigeria’s gross external reserves have risen to $52.52 billion, offering import cover for approximately 11 months. This represents an increase from $50.47 billion recorded at the end of May 2026. The boost in reserves is attributed to tax revenues from the oil sector and foreign capital inflows. The CBN governor noted that while the oil sector’s GDP growth slowed to 2.57% in Q1 2026, recent indicators suggest a recovery, with the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 50.1 in June. The CBN has also maintained the benchmark interest rate at 26.5%, marking the second consecutive time the rate has been retained. This decision was influenced by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have led to fluctuations in global oil prices and, consequently, inflation in Nigeria. Despite these challenges, the central bank expressed confidence in achieving its inflation target of single-digit levels by early 2027. Cardoso underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between fiscal and monetary authorities to manage inflationary pressures. “Collaboration between the fiscal and the monetary authorities at a time like this cannot be overemphasized,” he said. The CBN continues to implement measures designed to stabilize the economy and enhance financial resilience, even amid global uncertainties.