CBN raises interest rate to 18.5%; highest in 22 years

The Central Bank of Nigeria at its just concluded Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting raised its benchmark interest rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 18.5 per cent, the country’s highest in 22 years.
The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, made this known during the post-MPC press conference on Wednesday.
In April 2023, headline inflation increased to 22.22 per cent from 22.04 per cent in the previous month, marking its highest level since September 2005.
This is the third time the Mr Emefiele led apex bank will be raising it’s interest rate in 2023.
Nigeria has struggled with a high rate of inflation as well as a declining exchange rate at both the parallel and official markets.
In April 2022, headline inflation reached its highest level in more than 17 years, eroding the purchasing power of the populace.
However, the apex bank has continued to increase the interest rate to combat the continued rising inflation.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos
APM, APP withdraw petitions against Sanwo-Olu
Counsel to the two parties, Henry Bello and Francis Ese, respectively, had told the tribunal that their clients decided to withdraw the petitions.

States
Abia: Inauguration committee of governor-elect begs civil servants to shelve strike
Abia civil servants resumed their earlier suspended indefinite strike over unpaid salaries and pensions on May 9.

States
Zamfara govt. recruited 1,793 health workers in one year: Commissioner
“The health workers included: nursing and midwives officers, community and dental officers, medical record and environmental officers.

World
Hijab Protest: Iran govt set to arraign female journalists in court
A judiciary spokesperson alleged that both journalists colluded with the government of the United States against Iran government.

States
Ekiti teenager in court over possession of Indian hemp
Mr Adeniyi said the police found weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in the defendant’s possession.

Port Harcourt
FG earmarks N1.5 billion cooperative fund for ex-Niger Delta militants
Mr Ndiomu noted that the beneficiaries would be provided with technical support on their business ideas, and would also get access to grants.