CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
MONETARY POLICY
REVIEW
MONETARY POLICY
REVIEW
Central Bank of Nigeria
Monetary Policy Review
Volume 1, No 1, Maiden Edition 2010
Editorial team
Editor -in- Chief
Okorie A. Uchendu (Ph.D)
Managing Editor
A. Bamidele
Editor
M.K. Tule
Associate Editors
A.E. Ikoku
J.S. Akuns
S.O. Odeniran
G. Okorie
Aims and Scope
The Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary Policy Review is published two times in a
year in February and August by the Monetary Policy Department. The publication is
designed to improve public communication of monetary policy as well as
understanding of the basis for monetary policy decisions. The contents of the
publication are therefore intended for general information only. While necessary
care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this
publication, the CBN shall not be liable for any wrong interpretation or application
of any piece of information contained herein.
Subscription and Copyright
Subscription to the Central Bank of Nigeria Monetary Policy Review is available to
the general public. The copyright of this publication is vested in the Central Bank of
Nigeria but its contents may be cited, reproduced, stored or transmitted without
permission on condition that the Central Bank of Nigeria is duly credited
Correspondence
Enquiries about the publication should be directed to: Director, Monetary Policy
Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, P.M.B 0187, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria, E-mail:


Central Bank of Nigeria
Monetary Policy Review
Volume 1/1 maiden edition 2010
Central Bank of Nigeria
33 Tafawa Balewa Way
Central Business District
P.M.B. 0187
Garki, Abuja
Phone: +234(0)946236011
Fax: +234(0)946236012
Website
E-mail:
©2010 Central Bank of Nigeria
: www.cbn.gov.org

ISSN: 2141-6281
CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
Maiden Edition 2010
Governor
MALLAM SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI
Deputy Governor,
Economic Policy
DR (MRS) SARAH O. ALADE
Deputy Governor,
Operations
TUNDE LEMO
Deputy Governor,
Corporate Services
ALHAJI SULEIMAN A. BARAU
Deputy Governor
Financial Sector Stability
DR. KINGSLEY C. MOGHALU
COMMITTEE OF GOVERNORS
AS AT JUNE, 2010
iii
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iv
Mandate
Vision
Mission Statement
Ensure monetary and price stability
Issue legal tender currency in Nigeria
Maintain external reserves to safeguard the international
value of the legal tender currency
Promote a sound financial system in Nigeria
Act as banker and provide economic and financial
advice to the Federal Government
To be one of the most efficient and effective of the
world's central banks in promoting and sustaining
economic development.
To be proactive in providing a stable framework for the economic
development of Nigeria through the effective,
efficient and transparent implementation of monetary and exchange
rate policy and management of the financial system.
Core Values

Meritocracy
Leadership
Learning
Customer - Focus
Central Bank of Nigeria
CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
Maiden Edition 2010
CONTENTS
v
Table of Contents

v
Preface..

ix
Acknowledgement

xi
Chapter 1
Overview


Chapter 2
Monetary Policy


Chapter 3
Developments in the Financial Markets
..
..

Chapter 4
Domestic Price Developments
..
..
..

Chapter 5
Economic Outlook


List of Tables
Table 2.1
Monetary Aggregates and Interest Rates
..
..

Table 3.1
Weighted Average Money Market Interest Rate
..

Table 3.2
Monthly Average Naira Exchange Rate
..
..

Table 3.3 CBN Monthly Foreign Exchange Flows
..
..

Table 4.1 Inflation Rate ..


Table 5.1
World Economic Outlook


Table 5.2
Activities on the NSE: 2007 - June, 2009
..
..

Table 5.3
Monetary and Credit Growth Targets: 2007- 2010
..

List of Charts
Chart 2.1A-B Monetary Aggregates: 2009 - 2010Q2
..
..

Chart 2.1C
Monetary Aggregates: 2009 - 2010Q2
..
..

Chart 2.2A
Reserve Money Benchmark and Actual:
Dec 2008 - Dec 2009 ..


Chart 2.2B
Reserve Money Benchmark and Actual:
Jan - June 2010


Chart 2.2C
Reserve Money Benchmark and Actual:
Jan 2009 - June 2010 ..


Chart 2.3A
Monetary Aggregates: 2009 Quarterly Ratios..
..

Chart 2.3B
Monetary Aggregates: 2010 Quarterly Ratios..
..

Chart 2.3C
Monetary Aggregates: 2009 - 2010 Quarterly
Ratios ..


Chart 3.1
Weighted Average Money Market Rates:
Jan - Dec 2009


Chart 3.2
Weighted Average Money Market Rates:
Jan - Jun 2010 ..


CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
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vi
Chart 3.3
NIBOR and Monetary Policy Rates:
Dec 2008 - Dec 2009 ..


Chart 3.4
NIBOR and Monetary Policy Rates:
Jan - Jun 2010 ..


Chart 3.5
NIBOR and Monetary Policy Rates:
Dec 2008 - Jun 2010 ..


Chart 3.6
Nigerian Stock Exchange ASI and MC:
Dec 2008 - Dec 2009 ..


Chart 3.7
Nigerian Stock Exchange ASI and MC:
Jan - June 2010


Chart 3.8
Nigerian Stock Exchange ASI and MC:
Dec 2008 - Jun 2010 ..


Chart 3.9
Nigerian Stock Exchange:
MC by Sector 2009


Chart 3.10
Nigerian Stock Exchange:
MC by Sector end - Jun 2010 ..
..
..
..

Chart 3.11
FGN Bond Yield Curves:
17th Jun, 2009, 17th Mar & Jun, 2010
..
..

Chart 3.12
Naira Average Exchange Rate Movement:
Dec 2008 - Dec 2009 ..


Chart 3.13
Naira Average Exchange Rate Movement:
Jan - Jun 2010 ..


Chart 3.14
Foreign Exchange Inflow and Outflow:
2009 - Jun 2010


Chart 3.15
Foreign Exchange Inflow and Outflow:
Jan - Jun 2010 ..


Chart 3.16
Foreign Exchange Inflow and Outflow:
Jan 2009 - Jun 2010


Chart 3.17
Demand and Supply of Foreign Exchange:
2008 - Jun 2010


Chart 4.1
Year-on-Year Headline and Core Inflation:
Jan 2008 - Jun 2010


Chart 4.2
Year-on-Year Annual Inflation: 2005 - June 2010
..

Chart 4.3
Year-on-Year Headline Inflation: 2004 - Jun 2010
..

Chart 4.4
Year-on-Year Food and Headline Inflation:
Selected Items 2005 - Jun 2010
..
..
..

Chart 4.5 Seasonally Adjusted Inflation & Headline Inflation:
2005 - Jun 2010


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vii
Appendices
Communiqué of the Monetary Policy Committee in 2009
1.
Communiqué No. 60, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
14th January, 2009


2.
Communiqué No. 61, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
9th February, 2009


3.
Communiqué No. 62, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
8th April, 2009


4.
Communiqué No. 63, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
21st May, 2009


5.
Communiqué No. 64, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
7th July, 2009 ..


6.
Communiqué No. 65, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
1st September, 2009


7.
Communiqué No. 66, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
3rd November, 2009 ..


Communiqué of the Monetary Policy Committee in First Half of 2010
1.
Communiqué No. 67, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
4th and 5th January, 2010


2.
Communiqué No. 68, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
1st and 2nd March, 2010


3.
Communiqué No. 69, Special Monetary Policy Committee
Meeting, 15th April, 2010


4.
Communiqué No. 70, Monetary Policy Committee Meeting,
10th and 11th May, 2010


CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
CBN MONETARY POLICY REVIEW
Maiden Edition 2010
PREFACE
I am delighted to introduce this Maiden Edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria
(CBN)
produced by the Monetary Policy
Department. Although much has been written on the monetary policy process and
implementation in Nigeria, there remains considerable scope for further initiatives
and a more rigorous appraisal mechanism for evaluating the impact of monetary
policy actions on the economy. In addition, the bases for the monetary policy actions
of the Bank had not been properly understood in the past, leading to considerable
speculations on the next move of the policy makers. The MPR has been introduced
with the objective of providing a comprehensive and objective assessment of the
monetary policy of the Bank, with a view to improving the communication of
monetary policy actions to key stakeholders in order to guide them in making
informed decisions.
The publication of the MPR is a major step forward in improving monetary policy
communication by the Bank. It provides an avenue for stocktaking through a
comprehensive review of macroeconomic developments in the economy, presenting
the monetary policy decisions of the Bank as well as providing insight into the Bank's
likely future monetary policy direction. The MPR will also enable major
stakeholders in the economy to understand, evaluate and appreciate the bases for the
CBN's monetary policy decisions, this being necessary for stakeholder-buy-in of the
Bank's monetary policy actions.
The maiden edition of this publication is coming at a time when the global economy
is emerging from a deep financial crisis and economic recession. These
developments, amongst others, greatly altered the global financial architecture and
placed an onerous burden on central banks to refocus on financial stability.
Consequently, the task of central banking has assumed a more global dimension than
the usual jurisdiction specific to monetary policy operations of most central banks.
The lessons learnt from the recent global financial and economic crises have enabled
the CBN not only to re-examine its stance on monetary policy, but also necessitated a
rebalancing of the pursuit of price and monetary stability on the one hand and
achieving rapid economic growth on the other hand.
The current efforts and focus of the CBN, especially, towards mitigating banking
system risk and ensuring financial sector stability have no doubt, brought into the
front burner, the need to have a stable environment that would facilitate the
Monetary Policy Review (MPR)
ix
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maintenance of price and monetary stability. Apart from tackling the endemic
problem of ensuring banking soundness, the CBN has striven to create an enabling
environment for the evolution of a healthy and stable financial system in Nigeria.
This was against the backdrop of anchoring on a monetary policy mechanism that
responds positively to the developmental needs of the economy. It is partly to
address this concern and focus on recent challenges that the Bank has found it
expedient to launch this publication. Although, the MPR will be published biannually, in February and August, however, this maiden edition covers the period
January 2009 to June 2010.
I commend the untiring efforts of Monetary Policy Department in ensuring the
production of the maiden edition of this publication. It is my expectation and hope
that the MPR will be an indispensable resource material for policy makers and other
stakeholders involved in economic policy management. I welcome comments,
observations and contributions on this initiative, which will enable the Central Bank
of Nigeria, improve on subsequent editions.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
x
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The conduct of monetary policy is the statutory responsibility of the Central Bank of
Nigeria. The primary objective of monetary management by the Bank is to ensure a
stable macroeconomic environment, which is the basis for promoting sustainable
economic growth and development. This task became more apparent during the
recent global financial crisis, when the Bank in collaboration with the fiscal
authorities adopted measures to avert a collapse of the banking system and to
stimulate aggregate demand and strengthen output growth.
The need for this publication is twofold. Firstly, in a democratic environment,
monetary policy has left the confines of central banks' strong rooms to the public
domain, for the purpose of accountability. Consequently, it is incumbent on central
banks to become more transparent in the conduct of monetary policy, such that the
public is clearly informed on the monetary policy formulation and implementation
processes. This also involves communicating the rationale and goals of monetary
policy, while reasons for policy sub-optimal performance are explained. Secondly,
most of the documents containing monetary policy decisions are available to the
public but on isolated basis, which makes it difficult for stakeholders to have a
complete understanding of the sequence of events in the monetary policy making
process. These issues underpinned the publication of
by
the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This maiden edition is particularly significant for the additional reason, that the
recent global financial and economic crises redefined the task of monetary
management in ways that had never been previously contemplated. The weak
regulatory framework and environment were partly blamed for the crises. While the
propriety of such conclusion is not an issue here, we adjudge that the terrain of
monetary management has been significantly altered after the crises. An emerging
lesson from the crises was the coordinated responses of the fiscal and monetary
authorities in their rescue operations in providing temporary liquidity
accommodation. In this context, the Central Bank of Nigeria took far-reaching
measures to address the challenges of liquidity crunch in the banking system. This
edition of the Monetary Policy Review provides readers with reasons behind those
measures.
This maiden edition begins with an overview of monetary and financial
developments since January 2009. In chapter 2, the goals and instruments of
Monetary Policy Review
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monetary policy and the measures taken to achieve financial and price stability are
discussed. Other issues discussed in the chapter include; the activities and major
decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee, the institutional framework for
liquidity management and the movement of key monetary aggregates. Chapter 3
explains the operations of major financial markets in Nigeria. Specifically, it
highlighted developments in the various segments of the financial markets, namely,
capital market, money market, and foreign exchange market. Chapter 4 presents the
trend in inflationary developments during the review period, including the
determinants of inflation as well as major risk factors to inflation. Chapter 5 assesses
the economic outlook for the rest of 2010 and prospects of global and domestic
output growth, inflationary performance and energy prices. The appendices contain
the Communiqués (January 2009 June 2010) of the Monetary Policy Committee
meetings during the review period.
The preparation of this document benefited immensely from contributions by
various Departments of the Bank, and the support of the Governor of the Central
Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The commitment of the Monetary
Policy Department and the Editorial Team is hereby acknowledged. It is hoped that
this publication will serve the growing need for information by major stakeholders in
the Nigerian economy.
Sarah O. Alade (Ph.D)
Deputy Governor, (Economic Policy)
xii
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Maiden Edition 2010
CHAPTER ONE
OVERVIEW

The focus of monetary policy in 2009 revolved around the need to
maintain stability in the banking system. The tight liquidity
conditions in the banking system particularly in the second half of
2009 arose from the global financial and economic crises. Thus,
the thrust of policy tilted towards providing adequate liquidity in
the banking system than on price stability. In the first half of
2010, the Bank made deliberate efforts to unlock the credit
market. The CBN sustained the use of the Monetary Policy Rate
(MPR) to anchor short term money market rates and other interest
rates.
The major instrument of monetary policy was Open Market
Operations (OMO) conducted through Treasury Bills auction in
the primary market. This was complemented by discount window
operations (including standing lending and deposit facilities,
repo and reverse repo operations) and the use of the cash reserve
requirement (CRR). Primary market transactions in government
securities, sale/purchase of CBN bills and foreign exchange
market operations were also used in monetary management.
In 2009, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held 6 regular
and 1 special meetings, while 3 regular and 1 special meetings
were held in the first half of 2010. Consistent with the policy
stance of monetary easing, the MPR which was 9.75 per cent in
January 2009 was reduced to 8.0 per cent and 6.0 per cent in April
and July 2009, respectively. The policy rate remained unchanged
at 6.0 per cent for the rest of 2009 and throughout the first half of
2010. However, the existing symmetric corridor was restructured
to an asymmetric corridor (lending at 2.0 per cent above the MPR
and deposit at 5.0 per cent below the MPR) at the MPC meeting of
November 3, 2009 and March 1, 2010.
Monetary policy in
2009 placed high
e m p h a s i s o n
e n s u r i n g t h e
liquidity of the
banking system
MPC held 6 regular
a n d 1 s p e c i a l
meetings in 2009
The conduct of
OMO was geared
towards increasing
the liquidity of the
financial system. As
a result, growth in
re s e r v e m o n e y
m a r g i n a l l y
exceeded its 2009
target of N1,604
billion by 3.9 per
cent
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The persistent illiquidity of the banking system, in the second half
of 2009, prompted the adoption of far-reaching liquidity
enhancing measures by the monetary authorities. As the tight
liquidity condition persisted, short term interest rates in the
money market rose and liquidity surplus banks refrained from
interbank lending, prompting the monetary authorities to
guarantee placements in the interbank market in order to promote
activities in that market and to avert the collapse of the money
market. The conduct of OMO was geared towards the injection of
liquidity into the financial system. As a result, the growth in
reserve money for 2009, marginally exceeded the benchmark of
N1,604 billion by N64 billion, representing an excess of 3.9 per
cent, over the benchmark for the year. The combined effects of
monetary easing and other quantitative easing measures
substantially enhanced liquidity in the banking system.
However, throughout the first half of 2010, the challenges of
credit crunch persisted in the economy because the deposit
money banks adopted a cautious approach to risk-taking, which
affected aggregate lending to the private sector of the economy.
Short term money market interest rates, such as the interbank call
rates, which had risen astronomically in the first half of 2009,
dropped in the second half of that year, following the guarantees
provided by the CBN for interbank market transactions. The high
interbank interest rates experienced earlier, reflected market
pricing of uncertainty, illiquidity and high counter party risk.
The CBN guarantees as well as the effects of banking sector
reforms undertaken in the second half of 2009 boosted public
confidence in the banking system. In the first half of 2010,
money market interest rates fell considerably although the credit
crunch persisted. By end-June 2010, money market interest rates
had fallen to an all time low, but this did not reflect in increased
Sustained illiquidity
... rising short term
interest rates ...
CBN guaranteed
i n t e r b a n k
placements
...high interbank
rates reflected
market pricing of
uncertainty ...
... CBN guarantees
as well as the
banking reforms
undertaken in the
second half of 2009
provided increased
confidence in the
banking system ...

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credit to the private sector as banks continued with their cautious
approach to lending.
Indeed, the relationship between money, output and prices
became more distorted, especially in the second half of 2009,
despite the expansionary stance of monetary policy.
Consequently, policy-induced expansion in M2, combined with
seasonal factors in the last quarter of the year, led to an increase in
year-on-year headline inflation, which closed at 13.9 per cent at
end-December 2009. The level of year-end inflation was,
however, 1.2 percentage points lower than the level of 15.1 per
cent recorded at end-December 2008. The combined effects of
the monetary and fiscal stimulus, reforms of the banking system
and favourable weather conditions for increased agricultural
output, contributed to an overall growth in real GDP of 6.66 per
cent at end-December 2009. Given the favourable weather
conditions and improved energy supply, provisional figures
indicate that real GDP grew by 7.68 per cent at end-June, up from
7.23 per cent in the first quarter of 2010. Overall, real GDP is
projected to grow by about 8.13 per cent in 2010.
During the first half of 2010, the year-on-year headline inflation
rate fluctuated between 12.9 and 15.6 per cent. Following the
rise from 14.4 per cent in January to 15.6 per cent by endFebruary, the inflation rate dropped to 14.8 per cent at end-March
2010. In April 2010, the rate of inflation, which was 15.0 per cent,
declined to 12.9 per cent in May and subsequently rose to 14.1 per
cent in June 2010.
The macroeconomic environment in 2009 presented significant
challenges for the attainment of price stability, given the
emerging problem of excess liquidity in the banking system. The
stance of fiscal policy was largely supportive of expansionary
...expansion in M2
c o m b i n e d w i t h
seasonal factors led
to rising inflation...
...expansionary
monetary policy,
banking sector
reforms and higher
agricultural output
led to GDP growth
of 6.66 per cent in

... year-on-year
headline inflation
trended downwards
in the first half of
2010 from the level
at end-December
2009 despite the
e x p a n s i o n a r y
posture of monetary
policy...

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monetary policy. The continued divestment of portfolio
investment by foreign investors during the year intensified the
demand pressure in the foreign exchange and capital markets,
with adverse consequences for the naira exchange rate and the
stock of external reserves. Consequently, the naira exchange rate
depreciated substantially before stabilizing at around N150/US$
at end-2009, while the stock of external reserves decreased from
US$42.38 billion between end-December 2009 and end-June
2010, indicating a decline of 11.59 per cent.

The goal of ensuring the liquidity of the banking system was
largely achieved in 2009, especially in the last quarter of the year.
In an effort to promote and sustain banking system soundness, the
Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria Bill was passed by
the National Assembly in the second quarter of 2010 and assented
to by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Assets
Management Company of Nigeria. In addition, a N500 billion
quantitative easing facility was established to support the
development of critical infrastructure and the growth of real
sector output.

The overall positive outlook envisaged for the rest of the year is
hinged on the expected recovery of the global economy from the
financial and economic slowdown. While domestic economic
activity is expected to improve in the face of the recovery of the
global economy and improved liquidity of the banking system,
serious concerns exist regarding the sovereign debt crises in some
European economies such as Greece, Spain, Portugal, and the
possibility of austerity measures in other industrial economies,
including the USA. The economic outlook, therefore, suggests
that the stance of monetary policy in the remainder of 2010 would
remain largely uncertain.
...fiscal policy was
supportive of the
e x p a n s i o n a r y
m o n e t a r y
p o l i c y ... w h i l e
demand pressure in
t h e f o r e i g n
exchange market
led to depreciation
i n t h e n a i r a
exchange rate
...
A s s e t s
M a n a g e m e n t
Company of Nigeria
Bill was passed by
t h e N a t i o n a l
Assembly in the
second quarter of
...outlook suggests
improved aggregate
d e m a n d a n d
banking stability
while monetary
policy would remain
l
a
r
g
e
l
y

expansionary for
m o s t p a r t o f
2010...

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CHAPTER TWO
MONETARY POLICY
2.1
Introduction
The thrust of monetary policy in 2009 was to ensure the stability
of the banking system against the backdrop of the global financial
and economic crises. In the last quarter of 2009, signs of recovery
in the global economy and financial system began to emerge.
Consequently, the challenge of monetary policy in 2010 was that
of maintaining the soundness and stability of the banking system,
while at the same time ensuring low and stable prices.
This chapter presents the institutional framework for monetary
policy in Nigeria, the goals and instruments of monetary policy,
the major decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as
well as the impact of monetary policy measures on the monetary
aggregates in 2009 and the first half of 2010.
2.2
Institutional Framework for Monetary Management
The responsibility for the conduct of monetary policy, as
contained in the CBN Act 2007, is vested in the Monetary Policy
Committee (MPC). The Act empowers the MPC to have
responsibility within the Bank for formulating monetary and
credit policy. It also requires the MPC to meet at least four (4)
times in a year with a provision to hold special meetings as the
need arises. The MPC consists of twelve (12) members, namely:
the CBN Governor (Chairman), the four (4) Deputy Governors of
the Bank, two (2) non-executive members of the Bank's Board of
Directors, three (3) members appointed by the President, and two
(2) members appointed by the Governor. The CBN Monetary
Policy Department provides the Secretariat for the Committee.
T h i s C h a p t e r
r e v i e w s t h e
i n s t r u m e n t s o f
monetary policy,
major decisions of
t h e M P C a n d
l i q u i d i t y m g t
measures in 2009
and first half of
2010...
Monetary policy
design is anchored
by the MPC

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To ensure that the MPC is provided with reliable and timely data
and information on developments in the economy, the
Management of the Bank established Committees to service the
needs of the MPC. These committees include the Monetary
Policy Technical Committee (MPTC), Monetary Policy
Implementation Committee (MPIC), Fiscal Liquidity
Assessment Committee (FLAC), Liquidity Assessment Group
(LAG) and the Financial Markets Advisory Group (FMAG).
The Monetary Policy Technical Committee (MPTC) is the
technical arm of the MPC. It is a clearing house for the various
economic reports to be presented to the MPC. It gathers data,
inputs and reports from relevant Departments in the Bank,
preparatory to the MPC meetings. It reviews such reports and
makes recommendations to the Committee. The MPTC is chaired
by the Director of Monetary Policy Department and its
membership is drawn from relevant Departments of the Bank.
The Monetary Policy Department is the Secretariat of the MPTC.

Monitoring of monetary policy implementation is anchored by
the Monetary Policy Implementation Committee (MPIC),
chaired by the Deputy Governor (Economic Policy).
Membership of the Committee is drawn from relevant
Departments of the Bank. The MPIC meets weekly to review
money and financial markets' developments based on the latest
information available to the CBN and market intelligence reports
from relevant operations' departments of the Bank. The daily
assessment of liquidity position, provided by the Monetary
Policy Department, forms the basis for decisions on the type of
policy actions and instruments needed to address the liquidity
conditions in the system. The Monetary Policy Department is the
Secretariat of the MPIC.
... Key Committees
service the needs of
the MPC for the
effective conduct of
monetary policy
...the MPIC meets
weekly to review
a c t i o n a b l e
decisions of the
MPC and liquidity
developments in the
preceding week...
...... daily liquidity
a s s e s s m e n t
provided by the
Monetary Policy
Department forms
the basis for policy
actions...

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The Fiscal Liquidity Assessment Committee (FLAC) meets a day
before the MPIC meetings. The membership of the Committee
comprises key revenue collecting agencies and relevant
Departments in the Bank. The Committee collects data and
reports from such agencies, which are used as inputs for the
reports of the MPIC. The Monetary Policy Department also
serves as the Secretariat for the FLAC.
The Liquidity Assessment Group (LAG), comprising of
Financial Market Department, Trade and Exchange Department,
Reserve Management Department, Banking and Payment
Department, and Monetary Policy Department meets
daily to assess the actual liquidity that would determine the policy
actions to be taken. It also serves to validate as well as improve
the accuracy of the forecasts of liquidity conducted by the
Monetary
particular, the ensuing global liquidity crunch had adverse impact
on the liquidity position of Nigerian banks. Consequently, the
CBN pursued an accommodating monetary policy stance for
most part of the review period. As part of the complementary
measures to ease liquidity pressure in the banking system, the
suspension of aggressive mop-up of excess liquidity in the
system, which commenced in the second half of 2008, was
s
System
Policy Department. The Financial Market Department
is the Secretariat of the LAG
2.3
The Goals and Instruments of Monetary Policy
during the Review Period
The Bank was faced with the dual challenges of ensuring the
stability of the banking system as well as containing the rising
inflation during the review period. In addressing the issue of
banking system stability, the Bank recognized the serious
challenge posed by the global financial and economic crises. In
...... FLAC serves
a s t h e l i a i s o n
b e t w e e n t h e
monetary and fiscal
authorities...
... t h e B a n k
recognized the
challenge posed by
the global financial
c r i s e s a n d s o
p
u
r
s
u
e
d

accommodating
monetary policy to
achieve the stability
of the banking
system.

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sustained in 2009 through the first half of 2010. Other liquidity
injection measures included access to the expanded CBN
discount window and quantitative easing. However, resort to
expanded discount window operations was discontinued in July
2009, following the introduction of the Bank's guarantee of
interbank market transactions. The guarantee remained in place
13.22 percent of GDP and 36.9 per cent of N8.9 trillion gross
credits
To mitigate the liquidity shortages in some banks, the CBN
injected a total of N620 billion (in form of Tier-II capital),
amounting to 2.5 per cent of GDP, to boost the liquidity of the
banking system. In addition, the Executive Directors and Chief
Executive Officers of eight (8) of the most affected banks were
removed and replaced with the CBN appointed Management
Teams, while those found to have compromised their positions
were further referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC). The list of major beneficiaries of the nonthroughout the first half of 2010. To further increase the liquidity
of the banking system, the Bank also guaranteed pension funds'
placement with banks.
2.3.1 Banking System Stability
To ascertain the impact of the global financial and economic
crises on the soundness of the Nigerian banking system,
especially on the liquidity condition of the banks, the CBN in
conjunction with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation
(NDIC) conducted a special audit on the deposit money banks
(DMBs) in the second half of 2009. The outcome revealed acute
liquidity shortage in the banking system. In addition, the audit
revealed a huge portfolio of non-performing loans amounting to
N3.3 trillion and the consequent capital base erosion, as well as
poor corporate governance in some banks. This represented
... t h e u s e o f
expanded discount
window operations
was discontinued in
July 2009, following
the introduction of
the CBN guarantee
of interbank market
transactions
... t h e B a n k i n
conjunction with
NDIC conducted a
special audit on the
DMBs to determine
the soundness of the
banking system
... b a n k a u d i t
revealed substantial
capital erosion in
some banks. CBN
i n j e c t e d N 6 2 0
billion in bailout
money. Banks with
severe liquidity
condition advised to
recapitalize by June

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performing loans was also circulated through the print and
electronic media, and concerted efforts were made to recover the
loans. However, the banks with liquidity problems but whose
capitals were not impaired were advised to recapitalize not later
than June 2011.
In the first half of 2010, policy focus was to ensure the provision
of adequate liquidity to the banking system, promote activities in
the interbank market and reduce interest rates volatility and level
with a view to enhancing the availability of credit to the domestic
economy. Consequently, a number of quantitative easing
measures were introduced including, the establishment of N200
billion Asset Purchase Facility Fund (APF) and N500 billion
infrastructure facility for on-lending by Bank of Industry (BOI),
at concessionary interest rates to projects in the power and
aviation sub sectors as well as Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs). Also, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria
(AMCON) Bill was passed into law by the National Assembly
and subsequently assented to by the President of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
... q u a n t i t a t i v e
easing measures
introduced in 2010
i n c l u d e : N 2 0 0
b i l l i o n A s s e t
Purchase Facility
(APF), N500 billion
Bank of Industry
(BOI) Debentures,
passage of Asset
M a n a g e m e n t
C o m p a n y
(AMCON) bill...
Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria
Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was
conceived as a vehicle to absorb the toxic assets of the banking
system with a view to freeing up the hitherto encumbered balance
sheets of the Deposit Money Banks, in order to stimulate the
recovery of the financial system. When operational, the
corporation would buy up the non-performing loans of the banks,
thereby, providing them with the much needed liquidity. As part of
the reforms initiated by the CBN, in addition to the activities of
AMCON, recapitalizing some of the troubled banks would restore
stability and increase access to finance by borrowers, thus,
restoring confidence in the banking system.

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The CBN policy actions renewed public confidence in the
banking system, as interbank market activity rebounded and
cent in 2008. However, in 2009, considerable volatility in shortterm interest rates was observed, attributable largely to the
liquidity crisis induced by the global financial and economic
crises. The immediate challenge, therefore, was to stabilize the
money market interest rates and restore credit flow to the private
sector, while ensuring the soundness and stability of the banking
system.
In the first half of 2010, the need to increase the liquidity of the
banking system was uppermost. Consequently, most measures
tilted towards the pursuit of an expansionary monetary policy.
Due to the liquidity injection measures, the domestic price level
in the period averaged 14.5 per cent, which was higher than the
13.9 per cent recorded at end-December 2009.
naira exchange rates stabilized, while the level of deposits with
the banking system substantially increased.
2.3.2
Price Stability
The major challenge to price stability in 2009 through the first
half of 2010, was moderating the double digit, year-on-year
headline inflation rate from the 3-year high of 15.1 per cent at
end-December 2008 to single digit. To this end, the CBN
continued to use the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to signal the
direction for other money market rates in the domestic economy.
Monetary targeting remained the framework for monetary policy.
As an anchor for short term interest rates, the MPR, which
averaged 9.56 per cent between 2006 and 2007, successfully
anchored short-term interest rates around an average of 11.86 per
...the challenge of
price stability was
how to achieve
single digit inflation
... the MPR which
averaged 9.56 per
cent between 2006
a n d
2 0 0 7
s u c c e s s f u l l y
anchored shortterm interest rates
around 11.86 per
cent in 2008
In the first half of
2010, the need to
i n c r e a s e t h e
liquidity of the
banking system was
uppermost.

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2.4
Major Monetary Policy Decisions During the Review
Period
2.4.1
Monetary Policy Decisions in 2009
At its meeting of 14th January, 2009, the MPC decisions focused
largely on addressing liquidity concerns in the foreign exchange
market. The MPC reviewed developments in the foreign
exchange market and noted the depreciation of the naira,
resulting from the high demand pressure as against the falling
supply levels of foreign exchange in the market. Previously, the
MPC meeting of 11th December, 2008 noted the threat to the
stability of the foreign exchange market posed by the declining
accretion to external reserves, hence, reduced the permissible net
open position (NOP) of the DMBs from 20.0 per cent to 10.0 per
cent of shareholders' funds and directed the CBN to participate
more actively in the foreign exchange market operations by
buying and selling foreign currency through the two way quote.
More importantly, the Committee noted that there were
uncertainties about the sustenance of future inflow of foreign
exchange, leading to heightened speculative demand pressures in
the market. The MPC, therefore, re-introduced the retail Dutch
Auction System (rDAS), which was suspended in the first-half of
2008. Other measures designed to manage demand included the
cash call for backing foreign exchange purchases under the
rDAS; restriction of utilization of funds purchased at the rDAS to
eligible transactions only; return of unutilized funds purchased
by authorized dealers to the CBN within five business days after
delivery; and the further reduction of foreign exchange Net Open
Position of banks from 10.0 to 5.0 per cent of shareholders' funds.
At its second meeting on 9th February, 2009, the MPC observed
that the prevailing domestic economic performance was largely
influenced by external factors. For instance, while output growth
Monetary Policy
w a s l a r g e l y
i n f l u e n c e d b y
conditions in the
global financial
system....
...
M
P
C

reintroduced rDAS,
a p p ro v e d c a s h
backing of foreign
e x c h a n g e
p u r c h a s e s ,
restricted funds
purchases at rDAS
t o e l i g i b l e
transactions, return
of unspent forex to
CBN and reduction
of Net Open position
from 10 per cent to 5
per cent

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was sluggish, inflation remained high; and strong demand
pressure in the foreign exchange market persisted. The MPC also
noted the co-existence of high interest rates with excess liquidity
in the banking system. However, given the priority accorded to
the maintenance of price and exchange rate stability, the
Committee took the following decisions: retained the MPR at
9.75 per cent; reduced the DMBs' foreign exchange Net Open
Position to 1.00 per cent of shareholders' funds; pegged the
spread between the CBN and DMBs buying and selling rates of
foreign exchange at 1.00 per cent; and the spread between BDCs
buying and selling rate at 2.00 per cent.
The third meeting of the MPC was held on 8th April, 2009 against
the backdrop of perceived illiquidity in the banking system and
high interbank interest rates, over the medium term. Other
challenges included: weak credit expansion to the private sector
compared with the trend observed in the preceding three years;
and rising food prices. The MPC noted the impact of the tight
monetary conditions in the economy and the need for monetary
easing to stimulate output growth.
Consequently, the Committee reduced the Monetary Policy Rate
(MPR) by 175 basis points to 8.0 per cent from 9.75 per cent. In
addition, the liquidity ratio was reduced from 30.0 to 25.0 per
cent and the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) from 2.0 to 1.0
per cent. These measures were intended to relax the tight liquidity
condition in the money market and encourage bank lending to the
private sector.
At the Committee's fourth meeting held on 21st May, 2009, the
MPC noted that the exchange rate had stabilized at both the
official and parallel markets, although the wide premium
...MPC noted the
existence of excess
liquidity with high
i n t e r e s t
rates...guided by
need for financial
stability, MPC
retained MPR at
9 . 7 5 p e r c e n t ,
p e g g e d s p re a d
between CBN and
DMBs' buying and
selling rates of forex
at 1 per cent
... a t i t s t h i r d
meeting, the MPC
r e d u c e d t h e
monetary policy
rate by 175 basis
points from 9.75 per
cent to 8.00 per cent

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between the official and parallel market rates remained. Guided
by the prospect of sustained stability in the foreign exchange
market, over the medium term, the MPC decided to review the
various control measures instituted in the preceding few months,
while targeting a return to fully liberalized regime within three
months. Furthermore, the Committee noted the need to address
the problem of excess liquidity in the banking system without
necessarily driving interest rates upwards.
In the light of the foregoing, the MPC took the following
decisions: issuance of short-term securities to mop-up excess
liquidity in the system; raising the permissible foreign exchange
net open position for banks from 1.0 to 2.5 per cent as a first step
towards returning to Wholesale Dutch Auction System (wDAS);
reversal of the regulation that banks operate exchange rate
transactions at 1.0 per cent around the CBN rate; granting
approval in principle to 50 non-bank Class 'A' BDCs to access the
CBN foreign exchange window; and granting Government
Agencies and the oil Companies the option of selling their foreign
exchange at the interbank foreign exchange market or to the
CBN.
At its fifth meeting held on 7th July, 2009, the MPC noted the
continued adverse effects of the weak global demand and fall in
crude oil production on Nigeria's external sector and fiscal
operations, during the first half of the year. Although aware of the
prospects of economic recovery in some emerging market
economies, the Committee was of the view that the impact was
not likely to offset the effects of the continued weak economic
performance in the advanced economies. Consequently, the
Committee observed that the growth prospects for the remainder
of 2009 might weaken, while inflationary pressures were
persisting.
...MPC granted
a p p r o v a l i n
principle to 50 nonbank Class 'A' BDCs
in May 2009...
...MPC removed
caps and floors on
i n t e re s t r a t e s ,
reduced MPR from 8
per cent to 6 per
c e n t , re s t o re d
i n t e r e s t r a t e
corridor of +/-200
b a s i s p o i n t s ,
approved the derisking of interbank
market through
guarantee of all
i n t e r - b a n k
placements...

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Thus, the Committee focused its decisions on stimulating output
growth and promoting exchange rate and financial market
stability. Towards those ends, the MPC decided to: remove all
controls (caps and floors) on interest rates hitherto imposed by
the Bankers' Committee; reduce MPR to 6.0 from 8.0 per cent as
well as restore the interest rate corridor of +/-200 basis points.
The Committee also approved the de-risking of the interbank
market operations through the CBN guarantee of all interbank
placements; further liberalised the interbank foreign exchange
market, through the replacement of rDAS with wDAS; raised net
foreign exchange open position limit for banks from 2.5 to 5.0 per
cent of shareholders' funds; admitted all class 'B' Bureaux-deChange into the CBN window; and reduced the class 'A' Bureauxde-Change's minimum capital requirement to N250 million from
N500 million.
The MPC held its sixth meeting on 1st September, 2009. The
Committee noted that the recessionary trend in many industrial
economies seemed to be abating, although there was uncertainty
about the timing of attainment of sustained economic recovery. In
the domestic economy, the MPC observed that real output growth
moderated somewhat relative to the forecast, while year-on-year
headline inflation stabilized at a little over 11.0 per cent.
Furthermore, the Committee noted, with satisfaction, the stability
of exchange rate in the foreign exchange market and interest rates
in the money market. The developments were attributed largely
to the effects of the policy measures taken at its July 2009
meeting.
In the light of the foregoing, the Committee felt that policy
initiatives were needed to further improve conditions in the
markets without jeopardizing price and financial stability.
Consequently, the MPC retained the MPR at 6.0 per cent, while
...MPC retained
MPR at 6 per cent,
i n t e re s t r a t e
corridor at +/- 2 per
cent around the
MPR and
approved in
principle, the
establishment of an
Asset
Purchase Facility.

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the interest rate corridor remained at +/- 200 basis points around
the MPR. In addition, the establishment of an Asset Purchase

Facility Fund (APFF) was
approved in principle, with the objective of providing a medium
for effective liquidity injection into the system and mechanism
for credit easing targeted at specific sectors of the economy.
In its seventh meeting in 2009, held on 3rd November, the MPC
noted that the global economy had improved faster than
projected, as major industrial economies had shown considerable
signs of recovery. On the domestic front, the Committee observed
that while inflation had decelerated in the fourth quarter of the
year, there was still the risk of inflation resurgence, due to the
planned deregulation of the prices of petroleum products and
seasonal factors, which were expected to impact on agricultural
output, in the short to medium term.
On the other hand, there was significant deceleration in the
growth of major monetary aggregates due to weak demand for
credit. In the light of this, the MPC had to strike a balance
between measures required to foster growth and those to contain
inflationary pressures on a sustained basis. Accordingly, the
Committee retained the MPR at 6.0 per cent, but with an
asymmetric corridor of +2/-4 per cent to encourage interbank
lending; approved quantitative easing through the establishment

of an Asset Management Company (AMC) ; lifted the suspension
on the use of Bankers' Acceptances and Commercial Papers; and
1The Asset Purchase Facility Fund was designed to inject liquidity in the market. At the time the
MPC took the decision, there was substantial liquidity crunch in the banking system and there was
need for rejuvenation through liquidity injection.
2The MPC approved to sponsor a bill for the establishment of an Asset Management Company
(AMC), The AMC was intended to address amongst other things, the clearing of non-performing
loans from the balance sheets of the deposit money banks as well as the injection of fresh liquidity
into the banking system. At the November, 2009 meeting, the MPC noted that the banking system
was inundated with a huge portfolio of non -performing loans which was revealed after the
completion of the special audit of the DMBs conducted by the CBN and NDIC in the third quarter
of 2009.
...MPC retained
MPR at 6 per cent
with asymmetrical
corridor of interest
rates; approved
quantitative easing
t
h
r o
u
g
h

establishment of the
Asset Management
Company (AMC);
lifting of ban on the
use of Bankers'
Acceptances and
C o m m e r c i a l
Papers...

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removed the 1.0 per cent general provisioning on performing
loans.
noted signals of slow recovery in the developed economies,
which were most severely affected by the economic and financial
crises, and indicators of positive growth in the emerging market
and developing economies due to their resilience to the financial
crisis. The MPC also observed that although central banks around
the world had taken measures to inject substantial liquidity into
their economies, the global economy was still short of critical
liquidity as financial institutions continued to maintain a cautious
approach to credit extension. In addition, primary commodity
prices, including crude oil prices, had resumed an upward trend,
thus, enhancing the prospects of imminent growth recovery and
concerns about the resurgence of inflation.
On the domestic front, the Committee observed signs of
improved macroeconomic development as reflected in the
moderation of domestic price level and greater confidence in the
banking system. It also noted improved growth performance in
2.4.2
Decisions of the MPC in the first half of 2010
The MPC meeting held on 4th and 5th January, 2010, was the first
in which the membership was constituted under the 2007 CBN
Act. The MPC meeting was scheduled for 2 days, with the first
day devoted to receiving economic reports, while deliberations,
reviews and decisions were made on the second day.

At the January 2010 meeting , the Committee conducted a
comprehensive review of domestic economic performance in
2009, against the backdrop of positive developments in the
international economic and financial environments. The MPC
...MPC meeting of
4th & 5th January,
2010 was first to
hold under the 2007
CBN Act....
3The interest rate corridor as at January was 200 basis point above the MPR and 400 basis point
below the MPR.
...MPC noted signs
of slow recovery in
i n d u s t r i a l
economies. Global
economy was still
short of liquidity...
commodity prices
had resumed their
u p w a r d t r e n d
heightening the
possibility of higher
r e c o v e r y a n d
inflation
M P C o b s e r v e d
i m p r o v e d
confidence in the
banking system,
macroeconomic
developments and
moderation

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the last quarter of 2009 and prospects of higher growth in 2010. In
making its decisions, the Committee took cognizance of the
continued implementation of the 2009 budget into the first
quarter of 2010; the expansionary stance of the 2010 budget;
expected liquidity injection/inflow from the recapitalization of
the troubled banks and resolution of the problem of nonperforming loans of the DMBs and inflationary expectations
arising from the eventual deregulation of the downstream
petroleum sector.
Consequently, the MPC decided to leave the MPR unchanged at
6.0 per cent with an asymmetric corridor of interest rates;
extended the CBN guarantee on all interbank market transactions
till end-December, 2010; approved the Monetary Programme for
2010/2011 and the Guidelines for Monetary, Credit, Foreign
Trade and Exchange policies for 2010/2011.
The second meeting of the MPC in 2010 was held on 1st and 2nd
March. The meeting reviewed developments in the domestic
economy as well as the international economic and financial
market environment, during the first two months of the year. As
noted in the meeting of January, the committee observed that the
global economic recovery was expected to remain weak, with the
rate of real output growth falling below its pre-crisis level, until
late 2011. The Committee also noted that although the bond
market had rebounded, access to credit was likely to remain
limited, except where there were government interventions in the
form of public lending programmes and guarantees.
The Committee also underscored the need to fast-track the
ongoing reforms in the banking sector, to ensure increased flow
of bank credit to the real sector. Furthermore, the MPC
emphasized the need for complementary reforms in critical
... Retained MPR at
6 per cent with an
a s y m m e t r i c
corridor of interest
rates, extended
guarantees on
i n t e r b a n k
transactions...
... Although the
bonds market had
rebounded, access
to credit was likely
to remain restricted
except a fiscal
stimulus package
was available...

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sectors of the economy, such as power supply and other economic
infrastructure, in order to attract the much-needed private sector
investment from domestic and foreign sources.
The MPC's decisions were guided by the need to strengthen
growth through the unlocking of credit markets and encouraging
the DMBs to channel their excess funds to the real sector.
Consequently, the MPC took the following decisions: left the
MPR unchanged at 6.0 per cent; retained the 8.0 per cent interest
rate on the Standing Lending Facility, while the rate on the
Standing Deposit Facility was reduced from 2.0 to 1.0 per cent.
Other decisions, included; granting liquidity status to state
government bonds subject to their ability to meet specified
eligibility criteria and continuation of quantitative easing policy

through the provision of N500 billion facility in debentures
issued by the Bank of Industry (BOI), for investment in
emergency power projects as well as refinancing/restructuring of
DMBs' existing portfolios to manufacturers.
A special meeting of the MPC was held on 15th April, 2010 to
consider modalities for the injection of N500 billion under the
quantitative easing policy. The objective was to ensure that the
quantitative easing policy actually translated to increased bank
credit to the real sector and to ensure that a positive relationship
was established between the monetary policy rate and the banks'
lending rates. The Committee also underscored the need to
maintain macroeconomic stability and accelerate the rate of
economic growth. In that regard, the MPC approved the
Refinancing/Restructuring of DMBs facilities to manufacturers
for loans not exceeding N1 billion to a single borrower. The
Committee directed the DMB's to submit their Risk-based
...MPC in March,
2010 approved the
granting liquidity
status to state
government bonds
subject to their
meeting eligibility
criteria...
4This facility was later extended to the aviation sector.
...Special MPC
meeting held on
April 15, 2010 to
r e v i e w t h e
implementation of
quantitative easing
policy...
...MPC approved
t
h
e

Refinancing/Restru
cturing of DMB
f a c i l i t i e s t o
manufacturers with
N1billion max loan
size for single
borrowers and the
monthly submission
by DMBs of their
Risk-based Interest
Rate Pricing Model
to the CBN.

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Interest Rate Pricing Model to the Central Bank of Nigeria on a
monthly basis. The MPR was retained at 6.0 per cent with the
existing asymmetric corridor of +2.0 and -5.0 per cent, and

appropriate complementary policies of the CBN were also
endorsed.
The last meeting of the MPC in the first half of 2010 was held on
10th and 11th May. The Committee noted that the recovery in
global economic activity had improved considerably; although
large fiscal deficits continued to pose a fundamental threat to
macroeconomic stability globally.
On the domestic front, the MPC observed that the financial
markets had recovered faster than expected, while the stability of
macroeconomic environment was adjudged satisfactory. In
taking its decisions, therefore, the Committee emphasized the
need for the sustainability of relative stability in the financial
markets; increased foreign capital inflow to revitalize the
economy; and the need to unlock the credit markets by focusing
on the complementary angles of both supply and demand policy
measures. Consequently, the MPC: left the MPR unchanged at
6.0 per cent; retained the existing asymmetric corridor of interest
rates; extended the CBN guarantee scheme for all interbank
market transactions and foreign credit lines, and extended the
guarantee to placements of pension funds' with the DMBs from
credit lines created adverse liquidity conditions in the Nigerian
31st December 2010 to 30th June 2011.

2.5
Liquidity Conditions and Management
2.5.1
Liquidity Conditions and Management in 2009
The emergence of capital flight and the drying up of external
5This includes the revised guidelines for loan loss provisioning for preferred sectors, the N200
billion guarantee for real sector credit and regulations governing margin lending.
...MPC extended
the CBN guarantee
for all interbank
transactions and
foreign credit lines
as well as extended
p e n s i o n f u n d s '
placements with
b a n k s f r o m
December 31, 2010
to June 30, 2011...

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banking system in 2009. These contributed to the depressed bank
credit growth in the domestic economy in 2009 through the first
half of 2010. The main challenge to the banking system,
therefore, was managing acute illiquidity, especially during the
first three quarters of 2009. The Central Bank of Nigeria
intervened in August and September 2009, by providing N620
billion to rescue banks identified with grave liquidity situation
following the special audit of the DMBs. To further enhance the
liquidity of the banking system, funds were provided to finance
the N200 billion Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme
(CACS), established in 2008. The CBN interventions greatly
enhanced the liquidity position of the banking system. However,
the DMBs cautious approach to lending and aversion to risk
denied many potential borrowers easy access to credit; thereby,
creating a contraction of bank credit in the last quarter of 2009
through the first half of 2010.

The major tool of liquidity management during the review period
was Open Market Operations (OMO), complemented by
discount window operations, liquidity ratio, cash reserve
requirement and interest rate policy. Total sale of OMO securities
in 2009 was N254.49 billion compared with N2,787.77 billion in
2008, representing a decrease of 90.8 per cent. The decrease in
the volume of transactions relative to 2008 reflected, in part, the
tight liquidity conditions during the period.
In order to further improve liquidity conditions in the system, the
Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) was reduced from 2.0 to 1.0
per cent, while the MPR was reduced from 9.75 to 8.0 per cent in
April 2009. Despite these measures, the problem of illiquidity
persisted up to August 2009, resulting in the persistent rise in
interbank call rates, moving from a monthly average of 13.99 per
cent in December 2008 to 18.10 per cent in July 2009.
...capital flight and
the drying up of
external credit lines
created adverse
liquidity conditions
in the banking
system
... t h e r e w a s
s i g n i f i c a n t
improvement in the
liquidity condition
of the DMBs in the
second-half of 2009
f o l l o w i n g t h e
re s t o r a t i o n o f
i n t e r e s t r a t e
c o r r i d o r a n d
introduction of CBN
guarantee

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Following the MPC decisions of July 2009, particularly, the
restoration of interest rate corridor and de-risking of transactions
in the interbank market, through the CBN guarantee of all
interbank placements, there was significant improvement in
liquidity condition of the banking system during the second-half
of the year. Consequently, the weighted average interbank call
rate, which peaked at 18.10 per cent in July, commenced a
gradual downward movement to 10.17 per cent in August and
further to 4.68 per cent by end-December 2009. Other money
liquidity surfeit in the banking system throughout the first half of
2010.
The major tools of liquidity management in the first half of 2010
remained the Open Market Operations. Total subscription to
Nigerian Treasury Bills in the first half of 2010 was N734.46
billion. On annualised basis, this would translate to N1, 550.74
billion by end-December, 2010. The volume of subscriptions
would be 44.37 and 38.94 per cent lower than the levels in 2008
and 2009, respectively. The low level of NTBs issued in the first
half of 2010 was part of the broad measures of accommodative
monetary policy stance of the CBN. This was to ensure that the
relative conditions of liquidity in the banking system, which had
been achieved since the third quarter of 2009, were not
threatened.
Other complementary liquidity management tools were also used
market rates followed a similar trend.
2.5.2
Liquidity Conditions and Management in the First
Half of 2010
Liquidity conditions in the first half of 2010 reflected the
cumulative effect of the expansionary actions of the monetary
authorities in the last quarter of 2009. Consequently, there was
... actions of the
m o n e t a r y
authorities in the
last quarter of 2009
i n c r e a s e d t h e
liquidity of the
banking system
throughout the first
half of 2010 ...

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to ensure that the comfortable liquidity conditions in the banking
system were sustained. The MPR and CRR, which were reduced
to 6.0 and 1.0 per cent in July, 2009, respectively, remained
unchanged through the first half of 2010.
The effect of the relatively stable liquidity condition in the
banking system was reflected in the activities at the CBN lending
window during the period. Indeed, there was no operation on the
Bank lending window for a reasonable part of the first half of
lending rate rose from 14.88 per cent at end-December 2008 to
17.41 per cent, during the first quarter of 2009, representing an
increase of 17.0 per cent. Similarly, the average prime lending
rate increased by 7.29 percentage points to 18.68 per cent in the
second quarter of 2009.
The intervention carried out by the CBN through the injection of
N620 billion into the banking system in the third quarter of 2009,
moderated the rising trend in the lending rates as the average
prime lending rate declined to 18.37 per cent in the third quarter.
However, the average prime lending rate rose marginally to 18.97
per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009.
2010. Total volume of operations on the CBN Standing Lending
Facility (SLF) was N428.57 billion, as against the N31,648.17
billion recorded on the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).
2.6
Monetary Aggregates and Interest Rates
Table 2.1 shows the trend in key interest rates and monetary
aggregates in 2009 and the first half of 2010. The trend in average
prime lending rate was a reflection of persistent liquidity
shortages during the review period. The average prime lending
rate showed an upward trend, which became pronounced from
the second quarter of 2009. For example, the average prime
Upward trend in
a v e r a g e p r i m e
lending rates from
2nd quarter of 2009
indicated persistent
....
...the injection of
N620 billion into the
banking system in
the third quarter of
2009 moderated the
rising trend in the
lending rates ...

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The trend in the first half of 2010 showed a moderation in the
lending rates, as the average prime lending rate reduced to 18.60
per cent in the first quarter of 2010, while it showed a modest
increase to 18.91 per cent in the second quarter. The liquidity
enhancing interventions of the CBN contributed immensely in
moderating the rising trend in lending rates, especially in the last
two quarters of 2009 as well as in the first half of 2010.
Unlike the lending rate, however, deposit rates remained constant
throughout the review period as average savings deposit rate was
4.50 per cent for the whole period. This is indicative that
depositors with the DMBs in the country did not have influence
on pricing of their deposits, given that the risk to deposit with
banks actually increased during the period while the pricing of
deposit did not reflect such risk. Furthermore, as a result of
increasing average lending rate while deposit rate was constant,
the interest rate spread showed a rising trend from 10.38
percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 14.47
percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2009, and moderated
slightly to 14.41 per cent by the second quarter of 2010. This, in
essence, suggests that the banking industry in Nigeria still exhibit
features of monopolistic competition.
The illiquidity situation in the banking system during the first
three quarters of 2009 had a moderating effect on money supply.
For example, the broad money stock (M2) stood at N10,767.80
billion in 2009, compared with the programme benchmark of
N11,073.54 billion, representing a shortfall of N305.74 billion or
2.76 per cent. Similarly, the broad money stock for the first-half
of 2010 was N10,845.90 billion, compared with the annualised
benchmark of N12,342.11 billion, reflecting a shortfall of
N1,496.21 billion or 12.12 per cent (Chart 2.1A). Although the

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contraction was reflected in the various measures of monetary
aggregates, the effect was most severe on the narrow measure of
money supply (M1).
Chart 2.1A
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
Narrow money (currency outside banks and private demand
deposits with the banking system) increased by only 3.02 per cent
in 2009, compared with the rise of 55.87 per cent in 2008. The
stock of narrow money in the first half of 2010 declined by 1.72
per cent, compared to the annualised growth benchmark of 11.18
per cent (Chart 2.1B and Table 2.1).
Chart 2.1B
Source: CBN Monetary Survey

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Table 2.1
Monetary Aggregates and Interest Rates
(In per cent unless otherwise stated)
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
Notes: Credit refers to claims on other private sectors in the monetary survey. (*) Refer to ratios;
CG refers to credit to government; CIC stands for currency in circulation; NFA for net foreign
assets; RM for reserve money; DD for demand deposits; TD for time deposits and SD for saving
deposit; APLR for average prime lending rate; ASDR for average savings deposit rate; INTSPR
for interest rate spread.
The growth in broad money (M2) in 2009, though higher than
narrow money, was substantially lower than the programmed
benchmark for the year. The broad money stock recorded a
relatively modest growth of 17.46 per cent, compared with the
57.78 per cent recorded in 2008 and the 20.80 per cent benchmark
for 2009. The growth performance of broad money in the first
half of 2010 was sub-optimal (Chart 2.1C), for an increase of
0.73 per cent compared with the annualised growth target of
14.62 per cent.
Growth in broad
money at 17.46 per
cent was below the
target of 20.8 per
cent for 2009...
Chart 2.1C
Source: CBN Monetary Survey

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In the period 2008 - 2009, the narrow money multiplier (ratio of
narrow money to reserve money) declined slightly, from 3.14 per
cent in 2008 to 2.98 per cent in 2009, representing a decrease of
5.1 per cent over the period.
Chart 2.2A
Source: CBN Monetary Survey (CBN)
Generally, the money multiplier (for both narrow and broad
money) has assumed a consistent upward trend. For example, the
broad money multiplier rose by 7.93 per cent in 2009, up from
6.43 per cent in 2008. In the first half of 2010, the narrow money
multiplier rose by 9.33 per cent over the end-December 2009
level, while the broad money multiplier increased by 15.13 per
cent over the same period. Given the achievement of less than
programmed growth targets of broad money supply during the
period, the rise in the money multiplier was indicative of
contraction in base money (reserve money),Table 2.1.
Money multiplier
has been trending
u p w a r d s
consistently

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Chart 2.2B
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
The low growth in money supply (M1, M2) largely reflected the
impact of weak expansion of bank credit to the domestic
economy and the fall in the foreign assets (net) of the banking
system.
Growth in M1 was
due to moderation
in demand deposits
Chart 2.2C
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
Aggregate bank credit to the domestic economy increased by
59.61 per cent in 2009 and exerted a moderating effect on
monetary expansion. The low growth rates cut across both credit
to the private sector and credit to government. For example,
credit to the private sector grew by 25.92 per cent in 2009 as
Credit to Private
Sector did not show
much improvement
in 2009

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against 84.21 per cent in 2008. In addition, credit to the private
sector as a ratio of M2 did not show much improvement during
the review period as it only moved from 87.92 per cent at endDecember 2008 to 94.63 per cent at end-December 2009,
representing an increase of 7.63 per cent. The trend in the first
half of 2010 reflected the credit crunch in the banking system, as
the estimated ratio of private sector credit to M2 reduced to 93.15
per cent.
Chart 2.3A
Source: CBN
This phenomenon brings into focus the fact that issues involving
growth in credit did not border only on the supply side (liquidity
condition). It points out the fact that the demand side of credit
should equally be addressed and this is being vigorously pursued
through the demand side quantitative easing measures of the
Bank, as indicated in various decisions of the MPC in the first half
of 2010. In addition, the Bank is also collaborating with the
relevant fiscal authorities to address other issues associated with
the demand side of credit.
Growth in credit
was not only a
supply side issue as
the demand side
also needed to be
addressed

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Chart 2.3B
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
Since 2008, government has been a net creditor to the banking
system as reflected in Table 2.1 where credit to government as a
ratio of M2 is negative. However, the net deposits of government
with the banking system witnessed considerable decline in 2009
as the ratio declined from 33.0 per cent at end-December 2008 to
21.0 per cent by end-December 2009. Available data for the first
half of 2010 showed that the ratio further reduced to 8.32 per cent.
This is a reflection of dwindling revenue of government, mainly
as a result of both reduction in the price and volume of crude oil
exports.
... Net deposits of
government with the
banking system
w i t n e s s e d
c o n s i d e r a b l e
decline in 2009 ...
Chart 2.3C
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
Net foreign assets as a percentage of M2 showed a significant
deceleration, from 93.27 per cent at end-December 2008 to 70.34

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per cent by end-December 2009. The ratio declined further to
61.37 per cent by the end of the first half of 2010, influenced by
continued low capital inflows, among other factors. Currency in
Circulation (CIC) as a ratio of Reserve Money (RM) also
witnessed considerable reduction during the review period. It
moved from 92.30 per cent at end-December 2008 to 55.78 per
cent by end-December 2009, while it declined further to 37.59
per cent by end-June 2010 (Table 2.1). This is a reflection of the
increasing depth of the financial system.

The trend in average prime lending rate was a reflection of
persistent liquidity shortages during the review period. The
average prime lending rate showed an upward trend, which was
more pronounced in the second and third quarters of 2009 (Table
2.1). For example, the average prime lending rate rose from 14.88
per cent at end-December 2008 to 17.41 per cent during the first
quarter of 2009. Also, the average prime lending rate increased by
7.29 per cent to 18.68 per cent in the second quarter of 2009.
The intervention carried out by the CBN through the injection of
N620 billion into the banking system in the third quarter of 2009
moderated the rising lending rates, as the average prime lending
rate declined to 18.37 per cent in the third quarter. However, the
average prime lending rate rose marginally to 18.97 per cent
during the fourth quarter of 2009.
In the first quarter of 2010, the average prime lending rate fell to
18.86 per cent, and showed a modest increase to 18.91 per cent in
the second quarter. The CBN interventions to inject liquidity into
the system, contributed immensely to moderating the rising trend
of bank lending rates, especially in the last two quarters of 2009
and the first half of 2010.
N e t f o r e i g n
Assets/GDP and
CIC/RM ratios
s
h
o
w
e
d

c o n s i d e r a b l e
deceleration
Upward trend in
a v e r a g e p r i m e
lending rates in 2nd
and 3rd quarters of
2009 indicated
persistent liquidity
shortages
...the injection of
N620 billion into the
banking system in
the third quarter of
2009 moderated the
rising trend in the
lending rates ...

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DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS
CHAPTER THREE
3.1
Introduction
The main financial markets in Nigeria comprise the foreign
exchange, money and capital markets, while the commodity and
derivative markets are still evolving. These markets, however,
are at various stages of development. The challenges, which
faced the Nigerian financial markets in 2009, could be traced to
the impact and after-effect of the global financial and economic
crises, which began in 2008. The consequent illiquidity of the
global financial system affected the Nigerian financial system,
resulting in sustained bearish trend in the capital market. The
enormity of the crises in both the capital market and the banking
system compelled the CBN intervention in banks with identified
liquidity crises, by injecting huge liquidity into the banking
system. The CBN intervention promoted early recovery and
return of public confidence in the banking system. However, the
problem of banks' apathy to lending to the private sector stalled
private sector investments in productive activities. This condition
prevailed in the third quarter of 2009, through the first half of
2010.
The major challenge of monetary management in 2009 was the
dearth of liquidity in the banking system, while in the first half of
2010; the challenge was that of unlocking the flow of bank credit
to the private sector. There was in addition, the need to promote
good corporate governance, enhance efficient liquidity
management and encourage access to bank credit. Accordingly,
policy measures focused on coordinated regulation of the
financial system, building supervisory capacity within the
regulatory regime; fast-tracking the implementation of risk-
...the financial
markets in Nigeria
are at various stages
of development
...the challenge of
monetary policy in
2009 was that of
maintaining the
liquidity of the
banking system
while in the first half
of 2010, focus was
on ensuring access
to credit...

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based, consolidated and cross-border supervision; improving
governance structures and practices with a view to building
public confidence in the system. More fundamentally, the stance
of monetary policy was aimed at increasing the liquidity of the
banking system and enhancing private sector access to bank
credits.
To improve the liquidity position of the banking system (and free
the DMBs from encumbrances associated with their toxic assets)
institutional arrangements were initiated to establish an Asset
Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to buy-up the nonperforming loans of the banks. In furtherance of this initiative, the
National Assembly passed the harmonized AMCON bill in June
2010. The AMCON, when fully operational, is expected to
rates. This phenomenon was traced to the problem of tight
provide a cushion from any further erosion of the asset base of the
DMBs and ensure a reduction in the size of their non-performing
loans (NPLs). In this Chapter, developments in the financial
markets in 2009 through the first half of 2010 were examined.
3.2
The Money Market
The money market is relatively more developed and one of the
most active segments of Nigeria's financial markets. The major
instruments in the market include: Nigerian Treasury Bills
(NTBs), CBN Certificates, CBN Bills, Special NTBs, Discount
Window (DW) operations, Repurchase (repo) transactions,
Reverse repo transactions, Bills discounting, Pledges and Open
Buy Back (OBB).
3.2.1
Developments in Short-Term Interest Rates
The major challenge to the money market in the review period
was managing short-term interest rates in order to contain the
persistent upward trend and the volatility of short-term market
...
A
s
s
e
t

M a n a g e m e n t
C o m p a n y w a s
established to buy
the toxic assets of
the highly leveraged
banks...
...interbank interest
r a t e s r o s e
throughout the first
half of 2009 and
s u b s e q u e n t l y
d e c l i n e d b y
December 2009.

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liqiudity in the banking system. While monetary policy focus was
to use short-term interest rates as a signalling mechanism to
assess market developments, particularly the interbank interest
rates, the CBN intervention through its quantitative easing policy
sought to increase the liquidity of the banking system, thereby,
directly easing the pressure in the money market. The liquidity
enhancing measures introduced in the last quarter of 2009 forced
the downward trend of money market rates throughout the first
half of 2010.
TABLE 3.1
Weighted Average of Money Market Interest Rates
Source: CBN
The average weighted interbank call rate, which stood at 12.17
per cent in December 2008 rose to 18.60 per cent at the end of the
first half of 2009, reflecting the effect of sustained illiquidity in
the money market. It however, plummeted to 2.52 per cent in
December 2009. By January 2010, the weighted average
interbank interest rate dropped further to 2.48 per cent and to 1.50
...average weighted
OBB rate rose to
9.44% but declined
to 3.59% by endDecember 2009.
NIBOR also moved
in line with the
interbank and OBB
rates

Month

Monetary
Policy Rate

Call Rate

Tenored
Inter-bank
Rate
Open-BuyBack
NIBOR 7Day
NIBOR
30-Day
Dec-08

9.75

12.17


Jan-09

9.75

7.91


Feb-09

9.75

17.30


Mar-09

9.75

20.60


Apr-09

8.00

12.51


May-09

8.00

13.17


Jun-09

8.00

18.60


Jul-09

Aug-09

Sep-09

Oct-09

Nov-09

Dec.-09

Jan-10

Feb-10

Mar-10

Apr-10

May-10

Jun-10

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per cent at end-March 2010 (Chart 3.1). However, the weighted
average interbank interest rate was at 2.84 per cent at end-June
2010.
Chart 3.1
Source: CBN
The interbank and open buy-back (OBB) rates trended upwards,
especially in the second quarter of 2010, due to a temporary
liquidity shortage in the market caused by a rescheduled
Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting for
revenue sharing, coupled with the mandatory provisioning for
funding of foreign exchange purchases. Normalcy was restored
to the market when the rescheduled FAAC meeting was held and
substantial liquidity was consequently injected into the system.
... r e s c h e d u l e d
F e d e r a t i o n
Accounts Allocation
Committee (FAAC)
meeting in May,
2010led to high
inter-bank money
market interest rates
...
Chart 3.2
Source: CBN Monetary Survey

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The average weighted open buy-back (OBB) interest rate which
was 8.83 per cent in December 2008, rose to 19.84 per cent in the
first half of 2009. The OBB rate closed at 12.54 per cent in
December 2009, reflecting the impact of the liquidity easing
measures. The OBB rate at the end of the first quarter of 2010
dropped to 7.85 per cent and further to 5.13 per cent in April. It
however, trended upwards to 5.82 per cent by end-June 2010.
Other money market interest rates, including the Nigeria
Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) of 7-day and 30-day tenors,
moved in tandem with the interbank and OBB interest rates
throughout 2009 (see Chart 3.2) through the first quarter of 2010.
On annualised basis, both the 7-day and 30-day tenors of Nigeria
Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR), which were 5.55 and 7.85 per
cent, respectively, at end-March 2010, declined to 3.36 per cent
and 5.82 per cent, respectively, by end-June 2010.
... Other money
market interest
rates, moved in
tandem with the
interbank and OBB
i n t e r e s t r a t e s
throughout 2009
Chart 3.3
Source: CBN Monetary Survey

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Chart 3.4
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
Chart 3.5
Source: CBN Monetary Survey
3.3
Capital Market Developments
Trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange
(NSE) were largely bearish, in 2009. The All-Share Index (ASI)
fell by 33.78 per cent from 31,450.78 at end-December 2008 to
20,827.17 at end-December 2009. Market Capitalization (MC)
also declined by 28.30 per cent from N6.96 trillion to N4.99
trillion over the same period (Chart 3.6). The market value of
shares traded closed at N1.20 billion at end-December 2009,
compared with the N1.99 billion recorded at end-December
2008, representing a decrease of 39.85 per cent.
...trading activities
on the floor of the
NSE were bearish in
2009 but this trend
abated in the first

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The bearish trend on the NSE, however, abated during the first
half of 2010, with the ASI recording an increase of 21.88 per cent
from 20,827.17 at end-December 2009 to 25,384.14 at end-June
2010. Similarly, the MC rose by 23.89 per cent, from N4.98
trillion at end-December 2009 to N6.17 trillion at end-June 2010.
The market value of shares traded closed at N2.45 billion at endJune 2010, compared with N1.19 billion at end-December 2009,
representing an increase of 105.89 per cent.
Chart 3.6
Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange
The bearish trend in the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2009, was
partly attributable to the price crash in the market and the
sustained illiquidity in the banking system. In particular, prices of
the banking sub-sector stocks fell precipitously. Investors were
concerned that the huge provisioning required for nonperforming loans, arising from margin facilities granted during
the boom period, may significantly reduce profitability and
returns on investment in the banking sector. This continued to
dominate activities on the floor of the stock exchange. Rising
unemployment, widespread illiquidity in the banking system,
loss in capital gains and the effect on income and purchasing
power as well as low investor confidence in the system further
exerted downward pressure on the stock market activities. The
... Bearish trend in
the Nigerian capital
market in 2009, was
attributed to the
sustained illiquidity
in the banking
s y s t e m a n d t o
banking sub-sector
s h a r e p r i c e
decreases

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situation became more complicated as foreign investors
repatriated their funds and shunned further investment in the
market. Besides, domestic investors readjusted their portfolios in
favour of the bonds market, in 2009.
The modest recovery in the global economy, which started in the
last quarter of 2009, began to make impact on the Nigerian stock
market in the first half of 2010. The combined effects of the
liquidity injection measures by the CBN, outcome of the special
audit of banks and the concomitant response by the regulatory
authorities as well as the quantitative easing measures of the
Bank restored public confidence not only in the banking system
but the entire financial system. These measures had salutary
effects on developments in the capital market, which rebounded
in the first half of 2010.
T h e c o m b i n e d
e f f e c t s o f t h e
liquidity enhancing
measures, special
audit of banks and
the accompanying
actions of the CBN
a n d o t h e r
quantitative easing
measures restored
confidence in the
banking system
Chart 3.7
Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange
The revised code of corporate governance for quoted companies
released by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in
the first half of 2010 and the passage of the Asset Management
Company of Nigeria (AMCON) bill, as Asset Management
Corporation of Nigeria by the National Assembly are expected to
positively impact on investor confidence and enhance the growth
... new code of
c o r p o r a t e
governance for
quoted firms was
released by SEC in
the first half of 2010

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of capital market activities. Consequently, the rebound of market
activities is expected to be sustained, in the near to medium term.
Chart 3.8
Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange
3.4
Sectoral Contribution to Market Capitalization
In the period under review, the banking sector dominated
activities in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Accordingly, the
sector's share in overall market capitalization was 46.0 per cent,
at end-December 2009, down from 52.0 per cent at endDecember 2008. This was followed by Breweries,
Foods/Beverages & Tobacco and Other Sectors accounting for
12.0, 11.0 and 10.0 per cent of the total MC, respectively. In the
first half of 2010, however, the share of the banking sub-sector
declined further to 38.0 per cent of the total MC. Other Sectors,
Food/Beverages & Tobacco and Breweries contributed 16.0,
13.0 and 12.0 per cent of the total MC, respectively (Charts 3.9
and 3.10). The decline in the share of the banking sector was
attributable largely to the sharp fall in the stock prices of most
banks, particularly those that were rescued by the CBN
intervention. The prices of banks stocks were also depressed by
the low prospects of good dividend earnings, following the high
provisioning requirement for non-performing assets in the
portfolios of most banks, particularly those with liquidity
... Banking sector
stocks dominated
activities on the
floor of the NSE in
2 0 0 9
a n d
throughout the first
half of 2010...

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problem. Consequently, investors took advantage of the more
lucrative bonds market, which was offering more attractive
returns on investments.
Chart 3.9
Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange
Chart 3.10
Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange
3.5
Turnover and Capitalization
In 2009, market turnover on the Nigerian Stock Exchange closed
the year at N0.686 trillion or 2.9 per cent of GDP, down by 71.2
per cent from the N2.4 trillion (10.4 per cent of GDP) recorded in
2008. This downward trend was attributed to the impact of the
global financial and economic crises. The bulk of activities were
in equities, which accounted for N0.685 trillion or 99.94 per cent
of total transactions compared with the N2.376 trillion or 99.85

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per cent recorded in 2008. Transactions in industrial bonds sector
accounted for N412.8 million or 0.06 per cent of total market
turnover compared with the N3.53 billion or 0.15 per cent
recorded in 2008. The Preference Stocks sub-sector was inactive
in 2009 and the first half of 2010. Furthermore, transactions in
Federal Government bonds on the Stock Exchange were idle. On
the other hand, a turnover of N18.51 trillion in 134,120 deals was
recorded in the over-the-counter (OTC) transactions market for
Federal Government bonds, up from N10.44 billion in 78,248
deals, in 2008. Overall, the Turnover Ratio of the Nigerian Stock
Exchange dropped from 21.86 per cent in 2008 to 13.26 per cent
in 2009.
In the first half of 2010, the volume of transactions in FGN Bonds
over the counter (OTC) was 6.9 billion, valued at N8.35 trillion in
(Chart 3.11), representing negative returns in real term.
76,307 deals. During the same period in 2009, transactions
numbered 7.02 billion, valued at N7.15 trillion in 45,382 deals.
3.6
Developments in the Bonds Market
3.6.1
Yields on Federal Government Securities
The FGN bonds yield curve in June 18, 2010 fell by
approximately 500 basis points from the level a year earlier. In
addition, the yield curve shifted upward, compared with the
position on March 17, 2010. Overall, yields on long-tenored FGN
bonds remained below the 11.0 per cent May 2010 inflation rate
...market turnover
was .9 per cent of
GDP in 2009. The
bulk of transactions
were in equities.
Turnover on FGN
bonds were minimal

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Chart 3.11
Source: Financial Markets Dealers Association
The combined share of the Federal Government Bonds and State
Governments' Bonds, Preference Shares and Industrial Bonds
totaling N2.04 trillion or 8.20 per cent of Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), was 29.0 per cent of the total MC in 2009. The share of the
FGN Bonds in total MC was 27.50 per cent at end-December
2009.
In the first half of 2010, the share of Federal and State
Government Bonds, Preference Shares and Industrial Bonds fell
to N2.02 trillion or 23.90 per cent of the total MC. During the
same period, FGN Bonds valued at N1.94 trillion were traded,
while the value of the sub-national bonds and corporate
bonds/preference shares traded amounted to N91.50 and 26.82
billion, respectively.
3.6.2
The New Issues Market
The Equities Market
In 2009, the Nigerian Stock Exchange considered and approved
30 applications for new issues valued at N279.25 billion or 1.20
per cent of GDP, as against 70 applications valued at N2.6 trillion
or 11.30 per cent of GDP in 2008. Non-bank corporate issues
... share of market
capitalization of
Federal & State
Government Bonds,
Preference Shares
a n d I n d u s t r i a l
Loans was 29.0 per
cent of total market
capitalization in
2009 and 23.9 per
cent in the first half
of 2010.

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accounted for 71.50 per cent, with 25 applications valued at
N199.65 billion, while the banking sector accounted for 3.60 per
cent, with only one application, valued at N10.1 billion. State
Government bond issues accounted for N69.5 billion or 24.90 per
cent of the total amount approved in 2009. Although, no new
initial public offers (IPOs) were approved in 2009, a total of
N14.7 billion was raised through supplementary issues, N31.72
billion through rights issues and N71.74 billion through bonds
issue; including four State Government Bonds.
(20.90 per cent of GDP) in 2008 to N2.54 trillion (10.24 per cent
of GDP) in 2009, representing a decline of 47.20 per cent. This
was largely attributed to the impact of the global financial and
economic meltdown, which weakened economic growth in
Nigeria's major trading partners, and fall in the price of crude oil.
In addition, the security situation in the Niger Delta impacted
negatively on oil production and export volume.
Following the declining Federal Government revenue profile, the
fiscal authorities resorted to the issuance of medium to long term
debt instruments to raise revenue for its operations. As a result,
the following debt instruments were issued: 4th FGN Bond 2010
3.6.3 New Listings and De-listings
The NSE de-listed six FGN Development Stocks and four State
Government Bonds in 2009. There were no listings or delisting of
FGN Stocks, State Governments Bonds and Industrial bonds in
the first half of 2010.
3.6.3.1 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Bonds
Revenue accruing to the Federation Account declined
significantly in 2009. Accordingly, total disbursements of funds
to the three tiers of government by the Federation Accounts
Allocation Committee (FAAC) decreased from N4.81 trillion
...accretion of funds
to the Federation
Account declined in

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Series 12, 4th FGN Bond 2010 Series 13; 4th FGN Bond 2010
Series 14; 5th FGN Bond 2013 Series 1; 5th FGN Bond 2018
Series 2; 5th FGN Bond 2013 Series 4; 5th FGN Bond 2028
Series 5; 6th FGN Bond 2012 Series 1; 6th FGN Bond 2012
Series 2; 6th FGN Bond 2029 Series 3; 6th FGN Bond 2019
background that the Nigerian foreign exchange market was
among the most vulnerable to the adverse effect of the global
financial and economic crises.
Series 4 and 6th FGN Bond 2029 Series 5.
3.6.4 State Government Bonds
The dwindling oil revenue also affected state government
finances. Thus, a number of states approached the capital market
to raise revenue to meet their contingent liabilities and to finance
their capital projects. The following state government bonds
were issued in 2009: Lagos State Fixed Rate Bond 2013 Series 1;
Kwara State Fixed Rate Bond and Imo State Fixed Rate Bond.
In April 2010, the Lagos State Government issued a N50 billion
Fixed Rate Bond 2010/2017 Series 2, of semi-annual coupon
payment within a band of 13.0-14.5 per cent. Proceeds from the
issue were meant for infrastructural development.
3.7
The Foreign Exchange Market
Nigeria's foreign exchange market is still evolving. Although
largely dominated by the CBN, which is the major supplier of
foreign exchange to the market, deposit money banks (DMBs)
and oil companies play a significant role in providing alternative
sources of funds to the market. Official funding of the market by
the CBN derives mainly from the proceeds of oil exports. In this
regard, the fall in oil revenue which resulted in the depletion of
Nigeria's external reserves signalled an impending disruption to
the supply of foreign exchange to the market. It was against this
...a number of states
approached the
capital market to
raise funds through
bonds issue
... the CBN is the
major supplier of
foreign exchange in
t h e m a r k e t .
Funding of the
market by the CBN
derives mainly from
proceeds of oil

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3.7.1
Exchange Rates Movement
The average exchange rate of the naira in 2009 at the
Wholesale/Retail DAS depreciated by 20.33 per cent to
N148.82/US$, relative to the level in 2008. At the interbank and
Bureaux-de-change (BDC) segments of the foreign exchange


market, the naira traded at an average exchange rate of
N150.62/US$ and N161.58/US$ in 2009, representing
depreciation of 20.99 per cent and 25.29 per cent, respectively,
relative to the levels in 2008 (Table 3.2 and Chart 3.12). The naira
depreciated in all segments of the foreign exchange market in
2009, due largely to speculative demand, panic buying and
capital outflows.
Chart 3.12
Source: CBNNote:
The interbank market in foreign exchange was affected by the directive of the CBN that DMBs and
oil companies should sell their foreign exchange to only the CBN. The policy was designed as a
stop gap measure to address the supply shortage in the foreign exchange market.
In the first half of 2010, the Naira exchange rate appreciated at the
BDC segment of the market by 5.77 per cent to N152.80/US$,
relative to the level at end-December 2009. By mid-June 2010,
the naira traded at an average exchange rate of N150.06/US$ and
N150.77/US$ in the BDC and wDAS segments, respectively,
representing a depreciation of 0.83 and 0.10 per cent, compared

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Chart 3.13
Source: CBN
with their respective levels in the corresponding period of 2009.
However, the relative exchange rate stability was traced to the
measures put in place to check speculative activities in the
market. Such measures included the return to the retail Dutch
Auction System (rDAS) and the classification of bureau de
change (BDCs) into classes A and B.
Table 3.2
Source: CBN
Notes:
CBN: Central Bank of Nigeria
IFEM: Interbank Foreign Exchange Market
BDC: Bureau-De-Change

Monthly Average Exchange Rate Movements at Various Segments of the Market
(Naira per US dollars)
MONTH

CBN RATE

BDC RATE
IFEM RATE

January

117.98

144.85

149.81


February

118.21

147.14

150.22


March

117.92

147.76

149.83


N/A
150.07
April

117.87

147.23

149.88


N/A
150.45
May

N/A
151.48
June

July

August

September

October

November

December

AVERAGE

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3.7.2
Foreign Exchange Inflow and Outflow
Inflows
Total foreign exchange inflows to the CBN as at end-June 2010
stood at US$12,943.41 million, compared with US$11,128.79
million in the corresponding period of 2009. Oil and Gas
proceeds accounted for US$12,159.30 million or 93.94 per cent
of total inflows for the period, while the balance of 6.06 per cent
was from non-oil proceeds (Table 3.3 and Chart 3.16).
Outflows
Total foreign exchange outflows from the CBN amounted to
US$18,777.92 million as at end-June 2010 compared with
US$20,474.63 million in the corresponding period of 2009. The
CBN funding of the foreign exchange market accounted for
US$11,715.10 million or 62.39 per cent of the outflows, while
other uses, including debt service and public sector accounted for
the balance of 37.61 per cent of outflows (Table 3.3 and Chart
3.16).
... Total foreign
exchange outflow
t h r o u g h t h e
e c o n o m y f r o m
a u t o n o m o u s
sources, declined by
37.1 per cent in
2009...
Table 3.3
Source: CBN

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MONTH
Inflow
Outflow
Netflow
Dec-08
4,975.74
1,968.17
3,007.57
Jan-09
1,980.76
4,452.39
-2,471.63
Feb-09
1,503.19
3,531.08
-2,027.89
Mar-09
2,240.67
3,308.20
-1,067.53
Apr-09
2,069.19
2,941.19
-872
May-09
2,038.91
3,356.96
-1,318.05
Jun-09
1,296.07
2,884.81
-1,588.74
Jul-09
1,690.36
2,111.26
-420
Aug-09
1,879.80
3,797.02
-1,917.51
Sep-09
4,513.12
3,106.61
1,406.51
Oct-09
1,701.76
2,161.31
-459.55
Nov-09
2,082.78
2,138.82
-56.04
Dec-09
2,040.70
2,096.17
-55.47
2009 Total
25,037.31
35,885.82
-10,847.90
Jan-10
2,302.51
2,197.05
105.46
Feb-10
2,369.22
2,860.35
-491.13
Mar-10
1,849.40
3,012.76
-1,163.36
Apr-10
2,016.92
2,981.53
-964.61
May-10
2,381.63
3,840.39
-1,458.76
Jun-10
2,023.73
3,885.81
-1,862.08
Mid-2010 Total
12,943.41
18,777.89
-5,834.48
CBN Monthly Foreign Exchange Flows (US $ million)
Net Flows
Foreign exchange total outflows from the CBN as at end-June
2010 exceeded inflows by US$5,834.48 million or 45.08 per cent
compared with net outflow of US$9,345.84 million or 83.98 per
cent in the corresponding period of 2009 ( Table 3.3).
Chart 3.14
Source: CBN
Chart 3.15
Source: CBN

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Chart 3.16
Source: CBN
Chart 3.17
Source: CBN

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... t h e C B N
increased forex
funding to meet the
foreign exchange
demand in the
economy...
3.7.3
Demand and Supply of Foreign Exchnage
In 2009, the demand for foreign exchange at the official window
of the foreign exchange market increased by 143.3 per cent to
US$38,318 million over the US$15,752 million level in the
preceding year. The demand pressure was exacerbated by capital
flight traced to the divestment of portfolio investments and
remittances of dividends by foreign investors, as the global
financial and economic crises deepened. Total foreign exchange
sold by the CBN at the wDAS and BDC windows amounted to
US$20,390 million in 2009, compared with US$4,810 million
sold in the preceding year (Chart 3.17).

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Foreign exchange demand from January to June 2010 stood at
US$13,884.66 million, while supply was US$11,677.67 million.
These represent 36.23 and 57.27 per cent, respectively, of the
total of US$38,318.91 million and US$20,390.00 million
recorded in 2009. These also indicate monthly averages of
US$2,251.03 million and US$1,883.20 million, respectively
(Chart 3.17).
DOMESTIC PRICE DEVELOPMENTS
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1
Introduction
In this Chapter, we shall examine the trends in inflation and
factors that influenced domestic price movement during the
review period.
4.2
Inflationary Trends in 2009
The year-on-year headline Inflation rate of 13.9 per cent in
December 2009 remained below the inflation rate of 15.1 per cent
in December 2008. The moderation in inflationary pressure was
largely attributed to the early harvest of maize and yam, which
had a dampening effect on food prices. The 12-month moving
average rate of inflation exhibited an upward trend, increasing
from 11.6 per cent in December 2008 to 12.5 per cent in
December 2009 (Chart 4.1).
The attainment of price stability remained an ancillary objective
r
of monetary policy in 2009, being overshadowed by the urgent
need to avoid the collapse of the banking system by injecting
liquidity into the troubled banks, to ensure financial system
stability. To keep a tab on inflationary trends, the Bank implicitly
targeted a single digit year-on-year headline inflation rate.
However, the inflation rate remained at double digit throughout
2009, ranging between 10.40 and 14.60 per cent on a year-onyear basis. For example, inflation rate rose from 14.0 per cent in
January to 14.60 per cent in February, before trending
downwards for seven consecutive months, to 10.40 per cent in
September 2009. By October, the price level had started inching
upwards, rising to 11.60 per cent, and further to 12.40 and 13.90
per cent in November and Decembe 2009, respectively.
...Attainment of
p r i c e s t a b i l i t y
remained the major
o b j e c t i v e o f
monetary policy in
2009 & 2010....
...Year- on-year
Inflation remained
at double digit
ranging between
10.4 per cent and
1 4 . 6 p e r c e n t
throughout 2009

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4.3
Inflationary Trends in 2010
Inflation rate (year-on-year headline) still remained considerably
high in the first half of 2010. The inflation rate had accelerated
from 14.4 per cent to 15.6 per cent between January and February
2010, before it declined to 14.8 per cent in March 2010. In April
2010, inflation rose to 15.0 per cent, before trending downward to
12.9 per cent in May. However, it trended upward to 14.1 per cent
in June 2010.
Inflation in the first
half of 2010 trended
downwards...
Chart 4.1
Source: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
Notes: Core inflation is all items less farm produce
In December 2009, the all-items Composite Consumer Price
Index (CPI) was 102.2 (November 2009=100), compared with
89.7 in the same period of 2008, representing 13.94 percentage
points increase over the level in December, 2008.
In June 2010, the all-items Composite CPI was 108.8 (November
2009=100), compared with 102.2 in December 2009 and 95.3 in
June 2009. Consequently, the year-on-year headline inflation
rate increased to 14.1 per cent in June 2010 from the 13.9 per cent
recorded in December 2009 and 11.2 per cent in the
corresponding period of 2009 (Chart 4.2).

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Chart 4.2
Source: NBS
Notes: Core Inflation is all items less farm produce
The breakdown of price indices by items showed that food and
non-alcoholic beverages; and housing, water, electricity/gas and
other fuel (utilities) contributed most to the overall changes in
headline inflation in 2009 and the first half of 2010. Specifically,
the index of food and non-alcoholic beverages rose to 102.4 in
December 2009 and 110.0 in June 2010 from 88.6 in December
2008. The composite index of utilities (which ranks next to food
in the CPI basket), rose by 7.49 per cent to 109.1 in June 2010,
from 101.5 in December 2009 and by 12.36 per cent over the
corresponding period of 2009. The observed increase in the index
was probably due to the generally weak state of basic
infrastructure in the economy, the effect of which was transmitted
to the other items (Chart 4.3).
Chart 4.3
Source: NBS

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The general increase in the prices of food and energy, partly
fuelled by the accommodative stance of monetary policy,
contributed significantly to the upward trend in inflation during
2009. Consequently, food inflation remained at double digit
throughout the year. On a year-on-year basis, the food inflation
rate moderated to 15.5 per cent in December 2009, compared
with 18.0 per cent a year earlier
Table 4.1
Inflation Rate

Headline Inflation
Core Inflation

Food
Source: NBS (Base November 2009 = 100)
..Global increase in
the prices of food &
energy contributed
to upward trend in
inflation in 2009...
..Downward price
movement in the
first half of 2010
a t t r i b u t e d t o
constrained credit
demand as deposit
m o n e y b a n k
tightened credit
conditions...
Despite increased liquidity in the banking system, growth in the
monetary aggregates moderated, which reflected positively in the
downward price movement in the first half of 2010. This
development was attributed largely to constrained credit
expansion to the private sector, as the deposit money banks
became extremely risk averse and exercised caution by denying
many potential borrowers access to credit. In spite of this, the
year-on-year headline inflation increased from 13.9 per cent in
December 2009 to 14.1 per cent in June 2010 (Chart 4.4 and
Table 4.1).

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Chart 4.4
Source: NBS
4.4
Actual and Seasonally Adjusted Inflation
An analysis of inflationary developments indicates evidence of
seasonality during the period under review. Seasonality played a
key role in the lower actual inflation rates observed between May
and September 2009, and May and June 2010. In these months,
the seasonally adjusted inflation rates were above the actual rates
observed; implying that holding seasonal factors constant (or
their absence), would result in recorded higher headline inflation.
The low inflation outcome in those months was influenced, in
part, by the bumper harvest of food crops, especially, yam and
maize, which had a dampening effect on food prices. Moreover,
food items constitute the component of CPI with the highest
weight and most susceptible to seasonal factors. The converse
was, however, noticed in November and December 2009 as well
as January and February of 2010, when actual inflation rate was
higher than the seasonally adjusted rate, post harvest (Chart 4.5).
Seasonality played
a k e y ro l e i n
inflation outcome in
the review period

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Chart 4.5
Source: NBS
Notwithstanding the effects of seasonal factors (particularly offfarm produce supply period and year-end festivities), the
inflation rate remained at double digit throughout 2009 and the
domestic real output was generally satisfactory in 2009. Real
GDP grew by 8.23 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009, up from
4.50, 7.22 and 7.07 per cent in the first, second and third quarters,
first half of 2010.
4.5
Determinants of Inflation Performance in 2009 and
the First Half of 2010
The overall picture of price development during the review
period is that inflation remained high and at double digit
throughout 2009 and the first half of 2010. This development was
underpinned by the accommodating stance of monetary and
fiscal policies, aimed at mitigating the liquidity crunch in the
banking system and stimulating output growth, following the
adverse impact of the global financial and economic crises on the
economy. Besides the expansionary monetary policy stance,
other important factors that influenced inflation performance
during the period under review are highlighted below.
4.5.1
Domestic Economic Activity
Against the backdrop of the global economic meltdown,
Inflation was double
digits throughout

Domestic economic
activity remained
satisfactory as
output grew by 6.9
per cent in 2009

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respectively. In 2009, annual real GDP grew by 6.66 per cent,
which was significantly higher than the 5.98 per cent recorded in
2008.
In the second quarter of 2010, real GDP was projected to grow by
7.68 per cent, up from 7.23 per cent recorded in the first quarter of
the year. The annual real GDP is expected to grow by 7.75 per
cent in 2010.
The non-oil sector remained the major driver of growth.
Improved performance of the oil sector following the restoration
of relative peace in the Niger Delta during the second half of 2009
enhanced real GDP growth prospects. The major challenges to
growth during the year were the deterioration in electricity
generation and distribution and militancy activities, especially
during the first three quarters of 2009. Though, relative peace
was achieved in the Niger-Delta throughout the first half of 2010,
the problem of electricity generation and distribution continued
to inhibit output growth.
The aggregate index of industrial production, however, improved
during the fourth quarter of 2009 relative to the preceding
quarters. Consequently, the index of industrial production rose by
2.6 and 1.1 per cent over the levels attained in the third quarter
and the corresponding period of 2008, respectively. The increase
in industrial production in the fourth quarter of 2009 largely
reflected the 6.5 and 9.5 per cent rise in electricity generation and
consumption, respectively.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, the index of manufacturing
production, estimated at 88.56 (1990=100), rose marginally by
0.2 per cent over the level in the preceding quarter, representing a
3.4 per cent decline from the level recorded in the corresponding
Oil sector remained
the main driver of
growth
Main challenge to
g r o w t h w a s
deterioration in
e l e c t r i c i t y
generation and
distribution and
militancy activities
in the early part of
the year

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period of 2008. Similarly, the index of mining production rose by
2.4 and 0.7 per cent over the levels attained in the preceding
quarter and the corresponding period of 2008, respectively. The
rise was accounted for, by the increase in crude oil and gas
production, following the implementation of the Amnesty
Programme which became effective in the last quarter of 2009.
Mining activities, especially in the Niger Delta region continued
uninterrupted in 2010 with output rising above the levels attained
towards fiscal consolidation and financial system recovery. The
objective was to stimulate domestic aggregate demand and
revitalize the economy through targeted increase in development
expenditure. To mitigate the impact of the global financial and
economic crises on the domestic economy, the Federal and State
Governments embarked on stimulus budgeting, financed mainly
from borrowing through the issuance of sovereign and subnational bonds, resulting in about N1.0 trillion deficit financing.
in the later part of 2009, helped by the easing of militancy
activities in the region.
4.5.2
Climatic Conditions
Nigerian agriculture is still largely rain-fed. Consequently,
climatic conditions play a key role in determining the level of
agricultural production. Since food constitutes at least 63.76 per
cent of the weight of items in the CPI basket, favourable weather
conditions often impact positively on domestic price
developments in the country. In 2009 and the first half of 2010,
the adequate rainfall experienced in most parts of the country
aided good harvests of major food crops, notwithstanding the
inclement weather conditions experienced in some other food
producing areas.
4.5.3
The Stance of Fiscal Policy
The fiscal policy stance of Government in 2009 was geared
... I n d e x o f
i n d u s t r i a l
production rose by
2.6 and 1.1 per cent
over the level in the
preceding quarter
and corresponding
period 2008...the
rise was traced to
increase in crude oil
N i g e r i a n
a g r i c u l t u re i s
largely rainfall fed.
Adequate rainfall in
most parts of the
country aided good
harvest
Accommodative
fiscal and monetary
policy were key
f a c t o r s i n t h e
upward trend in

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This phenomenon, coupled with the impact of the CBN's
expansionary monetary policy played a key role in the
inflationary outcome in 2009.
In the first half of 2010, fiscal policy continued to be largely
expansionary and supportive of the stance of monetary policy,
designed to enhance banking system liquidity and maintain
stability of the financial system. Consequently, increased
expenditure on critical infrastructure was designed to improve
the productive base of the economy and achieve growth. Federal
Government fiscal operations based on the 2010 budget had a
proposed deficit of N1.562 trillion (4.66 per cent of GDP), which
could play a critical role in inflationary outcome in 2010.
However, the poor implementation of the 2009 Federal
the official and the BDC exchange rates narrowed considerably,
following the further liberalization of the foreign exchange
market. The stability of the exchange rate of the naira in 2009 and
the first half of 2010 impacted positively on the CBN antiinflation efforts by helping to lock-in inflation expectations.
However, in order to further liberalize and deepen the interbank
foreign exchange market, the suspended wholesale Dutch
Auction System (wDAS) was re-introduced in May, 2009. The
measure was designed to conserve external reserves, ensure
exchange rate stability, curtail speculative activities and enhance
Government Budget and the delayed passage of the 2010
Appropriation Bill as well as the Supplementary budget appeared
to have greatly constrained Federal Government Expenditure,
and could moderate price developments.
4.5.4
Exchange Rate Stability
The naira/dollar exchange rate remained relatively stable,
especially in the second half of 2009, while the premium between
...Fiscal policy in
2010 continued to
be supportive of
m o n e t a r y
management...
The Naira exchange
rate remained stable
while the premium
between the BDC
a n d o f f i c i a l
e x c h a n g e r a t e
narrowed

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prudence in the utilization of officially sourced foreign exchange,
and exchange rate depreciation in the first half of 2009.
Given the huge fiscal deficit budgeted in 2010, domestic
financing of the private sector may be quite challenging.
However, if recourse is not made to the central bank and deposit
money banks to finance the sizeable budget deficit, the
inflationary effect of deficit spending would be minimal.
Notwithstanding, the recourse to domestic financial markets for
deficit financing could crowd-out the private sector, leading to a
fall in investments and production, with attendant inflationary
consequence. Already, from January 2010, there have been
indications of increasing growth of credit to government, while
credit to the private sector has been shrinking. Also, much of the
budget revenue is not derived from withdrawals or tax payments
from the economy, but from the oil sector with the attendant risk
of revenue volatility. The focus of the budget is on spending on
key infrastructure in the areas of works, power, education and
health. Although, expenditure on infrastructure is likely to have
in order to foster growth in the real sector.
4.6
Factors Responsible for Inflation in 2009 and First
Half of 2010
The downside risk to inflation control during the period under
review was the expansionary spending by the three tiers of
government to mitigate the contractionary impact of the global
financial and economic crises. Moreover, monetary policy stance
in 2009 became more accommodating apparently to avoid the
collapse of the banking system through the injection of liquidity
by the CBN to rescue troubled banks. Other important risks to
domestic inflation were: the global food crisis, adverse weather
conditions in some parts of the country, poor infrastructure base
Downside risks to
inflation during the
review period are
stimulus budgeting
from all the three
tiers of government
Monetary policy
stance in the first
h a l f o f 2 0 1 0
reflected more, the
need to ensure credit
access than the
tendency to curb
inflation
T h e r e a r e
i n d i c a t i o n s o f
increasing growth
o f c r e d i t t o
government since
January, 2010...

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foreign components, the domestic components are substantial
and could generate high domestic demand pressures that may fuel
inflation.

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CHAPTER FIVE
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
5.1
Global Economic Output and Prices
The global output growth, which commenced a slow recovery in
the last quarter of 2009 continued on a steady path to stronger
recovery in the first half of 2010. However, this trend is expected
to decelerate in the first half of 2011. Despite the wide-ranging
monetary and fiscal stimulus packages, that were introduced to
boost aggregate demand and stimulate growth, the economies of
many countries were in recession, in 2009. The stimulus
packages were designed to reduce uncertainties and systemic
risks in the global financial system. These measures paid-off as a
total collapse of the global financial system and the emergence of
a crippling recession was averted. The pace of recovery, however,
has been slow, but varies considerably across regions reflecting
different initial conditions, and policy responses.
In the advanced economies, the surge in inventory and, lately,
fixed investment accounted for an unprecedented rise in
manufacturing and global trade. However, low consumer
confidence and reduced household incomes and wealth are
holding consumption down (weak private demand). Conversely,
household spending is doing well in many emerging market
economies, while investment is propelling job creation.
Sustained global output growth recovery is anchored on two
rebalancing acts; internal rebalancing with strengthening of
private demand in advanced economies, allowing for fiscal
consolidation, and external rebalancing; with an increase in net
exports in deficit countries, such as United States, and a decrease
in net exports in surplus countries, especially, China. The varying
... Various stimulus
packages designed
to lower uncertainty
and systemic risks in
the global financial
system helped to
avert total collapse
of the system...

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pace of economic recovery across advanced and emerging
economies has precipitated recovery that is neither strong nor
balanced and runs the risk of not being sustained.
Going forward, the challenge for monetary policy would be to
mitigate the weak private demand in the wake of low interest rate
and inflation in most of the developed economies and dampen the
rising inflation or asset price pressures, arising from huge
external surpluses in some developing and emerging economies.
The monetary authorities in the developed economies should
continue with accommodative monetary policy, while their
government continue with financial sector repair and reform and
address fiscal consolidation. In the emerging economies with
huge external surpluses, there should be monetary tightening
supported with nominal effective exchange rate appreciation as
excess demand pressures build. Considering the
interconnectivity of economies, there is need for careful design at
the national level and coordination at the global level for the
rebalancing to be achieved.
global financial and economic crises, would yield the desired
results, thereby positively influencing output growth in 2010 and
2011. However, economic recovery is still fragile, proceeding at a
This Chapter presents a review of the global and domestic
economic outlook for the rest of 2010.
5.2
Global Output Growth and Projections
Global economic output growth is forecast to strengthen from -
0.6 per cent in 2009 to 4.6 per cent in 2010 and 4.3 per cent in
2011. The positive growth projections are based on the
assumption that the extraordinary monetary and fiscal stimulus
measures, introduced by national authorities, at the heat of the
Global output is
forecast to rise from
-0.6 in 2009 to 4.6
per cent in 2010 and
4.3 per cent in 2011

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sluggish pace with most of the advanced economies and a few
emerging economies still facing large adjustments.
In the advanced economies, the US output is projected to grow
from -2.4 per cent in 2009 to 3.3 per cent in 2010, indicating that
the world's largest economy would rebound from recession. The
recovery in the US economy is however, forecast to moderate as
output growth averages 2.9 per cent in 2011. In Japan, the
economy is expected to pull out of recession, as the rate of growth
in GDP rises from -5.2 per cent in 2009 to 2.4 per cent in 2010 and
1.8 per cent in 2011. Output performance in other advanced
economies is expected to be relatively weak by historical
standards, with aggregate real output in 2010 falling below its
pre-crises level up until late 2011. The challenges to economic
performance would be weak private demand, high
unemployment, huge public debt and weak financial systems.
Generally, positive output growth is expected in the Euro Area.
Thus, real GDP in the Euro Area is expected to rise by 1.0 per cent
in 2010, in contrast to the 4.1 per cent fall in 2009, and further
growth by 1.3 per cent in 2011. Output growth in the United
Kingdom is projected to grow, as the economy moves from a
contraction of -4.9 per cent in 2009 to positive growth of 1.2 per
cent in 2010, and 2.1 per cent in 2011.
However, the prevailing fiscal crisis in a number of European
countries, including Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Germany,
the United Kingdom, and Italy, amongst others, is likely to impact
negatively on the expected growth. Although the euro area and
the IMF have responded to the debt crises, especially in Greece,
the size of available resources committed thus far, is far below
what is required to stabilize the affected countries. Moreover, a
Growth prospects
for the other major
i n d u s t r i a l
economies in 2010
a
p
p
e
a
r

e n c o u r a g i n g .
Output in the USA is
expected to rise
from -2.4 per cent in
2009 to 3.3 per cent
in 2010 before
...the prevailing
fiscal crisis in a
number of European
countries is likely to
negatively impact
the expected growth
in the Euro Area ...

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wave of eminent and widespread austerity measures is spreading
in most of the industrial countries, including the USA. These
factors are likely to reduce the volume of bailout resources,
available to the troubled countries. Consequently, the successful
outcome of the bailout interventions would depend largely on
prospects of further assistance from the euro area and
international community. Already, China has declined an offer to
buy up a part of the Greek debt. These developments are likely to
reduce the growth prospects in the euro area.
Growth performance in the Other Advanced Economies (newly
industrialized Asian economies) is expected to improve from a -
0.9 per cent recorded in 2009 to 6.7 per cent in 2010 and 4.7 per
cent in 2011. The growth prospects for the other major emerging
market economies, including India also appear to be strong.
Growth in China is expected to strengthen further as output
growth rate accelerates from 9.1 per cent in 2009 to 10.5 per cent
in 2010 before dropping to 9.6 per cent in 2011.
Other emerging market and developing countries' economies are
expected to post higher growth rates of 6.8 per cent in 2010 and
6.4 per cent in 2011 up from the 2.5 per cent recorded in 2009 and
6.1 per cent in 2008. Output growth in the Middle East and North
Africa, as well as the Western Hemisphere is expected to be
strong as the downside risks to growth in those economies would
moderate in 2010 and 2011. Thus, the growth rate of GDP is
forecast to rise from 2.4 per cent in 2009 to 4.5 per cent in 2010
and 4.9 per cent in 2011. In the Western Hemisphere, the rate of
growth will rise from -1.8 per cent in 2009 to 4.8 and 4.0 per cents
in both 2010 and 2011, respectively. Improved growth
performance is expected to be largely driven by strong domestic
demand.
...the emerging
market economies
of Asia are expected
to accelerate in
g r o w t h , w h i l e
growth in China is
also expected to
accelerate ...
... Growth in the
Middle East and
North Africa as well
as the Western
H e m i s p h e re i s
expected to be
strong...

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Output growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, which averaged 5.6 per
cent in 2008, declined to 2.2 per cent in 2009, before recovering
to a forecast level of 5.0 per cent in 2010 and 5.9 per cent in 2011.
The Sub-Saharan countries, however, risk higher inflation
outcome owing to rising and sustained domestic demand
pressures, especially on food, and the exchange rate (Table 5.1).
The recovery in the financial markets is expected to strengthen
further in 2010, thereby, encouraging increased financial flows to
support the recovering economies. Furthermore, there is need for
appropriate policy mix that would foster a rebalancing of
objectives to promote strong output growth and ensure efficient
aggregate demand management. Also, ensuring financial market
stability must be sustained to provide support, especially in
economies where recovery has not fully commenced. As
economic activities normalized from end 2009 through 2010,
output growth in the global economy is expected to strengthen
further in 2011 at higher level than the pre-crisis growth rate. It is
expected that improved aggregate demand in the industrial
countries that could facilitate a rebound in commodity prices, in
favour of developing countries, would support higher output
growth in 2010 and beyond. However, the emerging sovereign
debt crisis in a number of European countries and weak private
demand in advanced economies are expected to pose further
challenges to global economic growth.
In summary, the general expectation is that, in 2010 and 2011, the
industrial countries would experience sluggish growth, while the
emerging and developing market economies may likely enjoy
rapid output growth. In the circumstance, the policy responses of
most central banks would be more diverse for industrialized
countries and emerging economies. With low inflation and
interest rate in industrialized countries, monetary policy should
... Output growth in
Sub-Saharan Africa
i s f o re c a s t t o
average 5.9 per cent
in 2011 with threat
of higher inflation...
Growth will be
u n e v e n a c ro s s
regions in 2010 and
2 0 11 w i t h t h e
e m e r g i n g a n d
d e v e l o p i n g
economies growing
faster. Most Central
Banks in developing
c o u n t r i e s w i l l
contend with rising
i n f l a t i o n a r y
pressures

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remain highly accommodative in the foreseeable future. In
addition, government should continue with financial sector repair
and reform and address fiscal consolidation as well as not being
in a haste to jettison fiscal stimulus but offer credible mediumterm plans for debt stabilisation and eventual debt reduction.
In some of the larger, fast-growing emerging economies faced
with rising inflation or asset price pressures, monetary policy
tightening should be supported with nominal effective exchange
rate appreciation as excess demand pressure build. Government
should continue with fiscal response to support and facilitate
demand rebalancing or renewed capital flow. In all, considering
in non-fuel commodity prices are expected to follow a similar
trend in 2010 as price movement swings from a fall of 18.7 per
cent in 2009 to a 15.5 per cent increase in 2010 before recording a
decline of 1.4 per cent in 2011.
the interconnectivity of economies, there is need for careful
design at the national level and coordination at the global level for
the rebalancing to be achieved.
5.3
Global Commodity and Energy Prices
The global oil market assumed a bearish trend in 2009 as prices
declined by 36.3 per cent. Growth in the global economy is
however, expected to resume in 2010 as price recovery averaging
21.8 per cent rise is projected, before dipping by about 3.0 per
cent in 2011. The projected rise in world oil prices in 2010, over
the level in 2009, is predicated on improvement in aggregate
demand and output growth in the global economy. Developments

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Source: WEO, July 2010
Table 5.1 World Economic Outlook
5.4
Outlook for the Domestic Economy
The outlook for the Nigerian economy in 2010 and 2011 is fairly
optimistic, predicated on the implementation of the Federal
Government Amnesty Programme for militants in the Niger
Delta Region, the bottoming out of the global economic recession
in 2009, the expected improvement in power generation and
distribution which began to manifest in the last quarter of 2009
and the expected buoyancy in external aggregate demand
environment. In addition, the investment climate has become
more attractive to foreign and domestic capital flows due to the
combined effects of the wide ranging reforms in the banking
sector, modest rebound of the stock market, recapitalization of
some troubled banks, coupled with other confidence building
measures in the economy implemented since the last quarter of
O u t l o o k f o r
Nigerian economy
re m a i n s f a i r l y
optimistic

5.0


United States

2.0


Euro Area

2.6


Japan

2.1


United Kingdom

3.0


Canada

2.7


Other Advanced Economics

4.7


Emerging & Developing Economies

6.8
6.4

Central and Eastern Europe

5.7


Commonwealth of Independent States

8.6


China

11.9


Russia

India

Brazil

Sub-Saharan Africa

Middle East and North Africa

Western Hemisphere

Commodity Prices (US' Dollars)
Oil

Non-fuel (Average Based on World

Commodity Export Weights)
Consumer Prices
Advanced Economies

Emerging & Developing Economies


6.1
2.5

Projections as at June

World Output

Advanced Economies

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2009. Consequently, the domestic economy anchored on these
favourable developments is projected to grow by 7.53 per cent in
2010.
increase the liquidity of the banking system. Similarly, revenue
sharing from the excess crude account, the planned full
deregulation of petroleum products prices, relaxation of
quantitative reserve requirements by the CBN, high resolution
costs associated with the banking sector reforms, expected
5.4.1
Aggregate Output
Oil production is expected to rise in 2010 and 2011, following the
resolution of the restiveness in the Niger Delta, with positive
implications for total output growth and revenue generation.
Nevertheless, the non-oil sector is expected to remain the main
driver of output growth in 2010 and 2011. Consequently, the
contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP is expected to rise
marginally from 8.61 per cent in 2009 to 8.92 per cent of GDP in
2010. Agriculture is projected to grow marginally by 0.99 per
cent in 2010. Overall, real GDP growth is projected to be higher
in 2010 than in 2009, rising to 7.53 per cent in 2010 from 6.66 per
cent in 2009. The economy is expected to perform moderately
well in 2010, especially if the current measures to reform the
power sector are faithfully implemented.
5.4.2
Inflation
Current forecasts show that inflation would remain within the
lower end of double digits in 2010. However, liquidity
management by the CBN is expected to be challenging,
constrained by the effect of the expansionary stance of monetary

and fiscal policies. In addition, large deficit spending by

government and outlays on infrastructure are expected to further
O i l o u t p u t i s
expected to rise in
2010 and 2011
f o l l o w i n g t h e
resolution of the
crisis in the Niger
Delta ...
Inflation would
remain within the
lower end of the
double digit in 2010.
The situation might
not be different in

6estimated at N1,500 billion
7estimated at about N1,150 billion between 2007 and 2011

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foreign capital inflows to strengthen deposit money banks'
balance sheets, and spending on the 2011 general elections may
also compound the problem of liquidity management in the
banking system. Consequently, the prospects of excess liquidity
indicated in Table 5.2. Consequently, the key market
performance indicators, Market Capitalization (MC) and AllShare Index (ASI) rose by 26.05 per cent to N6, 290 billion and
24.17 per cent (25,861.93), respectively. With the reform
measures introduced by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and the implementation of the 2010 budget, a
rebound in the market is expected during the second half of 2010.
Given the prospects of improved power supply in 2010, increased
investment by corporate institutions is expected; leading to
increased demand for capital. It is also expected that a number of
companies would approach the capital market to raise funds
through equities and corporate bonds. These developments are
expected to heighten the tempo of activities in the stock market
and stimulate demand for bank credit. The recent banking
reforms may also promote increased capital market activities as
banks with eroded capital (which had received directives from
the CBN to recapitalize) approach the market to raise new funds.
Consequently, the key market indicators, MC and ASI are
in the banking system would exert upward pressure on the
domestic price level in 2010 and 2011.
5.4.3
Financial Markets
5.4.3.1 The Capital Market
The high momentum of trading activities that characterised the
Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2007 suffered a remarkable
reversal in 2008 and 2009. However, signs of gradual market
recovery manifested in the first half of 2010. The capital market
witnessed increased activities during the first half of 2010, as
Capital Market
activities would rise
due to increased
corporate bonds
issue. New funds
may also be raised
through share issues

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projected to improve further (Table 5.2).
Table 5.2
Activities on the NSE: 2007- June, 2010


Source: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)

Year

MC (N trillions)

10.18

6.96 4.99
6.29
ASI (At end
Period)
57.990.22

31,450.78

20,827.17
25,861.93
Volume (billion)

Value (N billions)

5.4.3.2 The Foreign Exchange Market
The foreign exchange market witnessed sustained demand
pressure in the first half of 2009 driving the naira/dollar exchange
rate to depreciate in all segments of the market. However,
towards the end of the year through the first half of 2010, the
exchange rate stabilized at around N150 naira/dollar. The
pressure in the foreign exchange market was attributable to larger
than expected foreign exchange outflows propelled by capital
flight and speculative demand. On the other hand, inflows from
oil export receipts and foreign private investment dwindled.
These adverse conditions are, however, expected to moderate in
2010 as the global economy recovers and with financial sector
reforms underway in Nigeria. In effect, the naira is expected to
stabilize further as external sector performance improves in 2010
and beyond.
5.4.3.3 The Money Market
The domestic money market experienced severe liquidity
challenges in 2009. In effect, the viability of many DMBs was
threatened and the interbank market operations were inactive
because of the system's perceived high risk status. With the
additional measures introduced in 2010, such as confering
T h e N a i r a i s
expected to be
stabilize further in
2010 as external
conditions improve
T h e l i q u i d i t y
condition of the
DMBs is expected to
improve in 2010
thus stabilizing
short term interest
rates

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liquidity status on state government bonds, passage of the Asset
Management Corporation of Nigeria Bill into law, increased
government spending on infrastructure, relaxation of the
statutory reserve requirements by the CBN, the prospects of
additional resource inflows to strengthen deposit money banks'
balance sheets is bright. The overall impact of these measures
would have positive implications for enhancing the effectiveness
and efficiency of the money market in 2010 and beyond.
the DMBs to lend to the real sector is expected to be reversed,
translating to rapid growth in aggregate bank credit to the
domestic economy with its expansionary effects on money
supply.
Consequently, short term interest rates are expected to stabilize at
the lower end of the spectrum, as from the third quarter of 2010.
5.4.4
Monetary Management
The primary goal of monetary policy in 2010 and 2011 would
remain the maintenance of price and financial stability.
Accordingly, the CBN shall aim at ensuring the supply of
adequate liquidity to the Nigerian financial system. The growth in
the major monetary aggregates is expected to be higher than the
rates recorded in 2009, reflecting largely the effects of the
expansionary stance of monetary policy in 2010 and the expected
large fiscal outlay on the 2011 elections. Moreover, the apathy of
...monetary policy
in 2010 may remain
expansionary while
t h e M o n e t a r y
Authorities would
keep a close eye on
inflationary trends
Table 5.3
Monetary and Credit Growth Targets for 2007-2010

M2

Total Bank Credit

Credit to Govt.

Credit to Private sector

70.05

43.45
26.01
31.54
NFA

17.10

7.68
-11.72
12.59
Other Assets

26.78

-28.12
-8.25
45.00

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Monetary policy, for the rest of 2010 would, therefore, focus on
mitigating inflation threats, while ensuring that the objective of
promoting high output growth is not undermined. In essence,
monetary policy would be development oriented, maintaining
appropriate balance between the need to achieve price stability
including the prevention of asset price bubbles, promoting strong
output growth and ensuring financial sector soundness and
stability. To stimulate domestic investment growth, efforts would
be geared towards sustaining the gradual reduction in the spread
between bank deposits and lending rates.

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APPENDICES
Appendix 1
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 60, 14 JANUARY
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) met
today, January 14, 2009, and reviewed the developments in the foreign exchange
market vis-a-vis Nigeria's external reserves position and macro economic
developments. It noted that the preliminary estimate of the GDP growth rate for the
end of 2008 was an impressive 6.8% compared with 6.2% in 2007. It also noted that
inflationary pressure remained high throughout the year and provisional figures
indicate that the end December headline inflation was 14.6% while estimated core
(non-food) Inflation rate was at 9.2%. It also reviewed the developments in the oil
market as well as capital flows into the economy in 2008 and the prospects for 2009.
MPC also reviewed the recent developments in the foreign exchange market and the
depreciation of the naira in the light of decreased supply of foreign exchange vis-avis increased demand. It noted the uncertainties and the speculative pressures in the
foreign exchange market.
The MPC noted that while it is desirable to allow the exchange rate to adjust in
response to market conditions, the CBN remains determined to restore stability to the
market.
Consequently, the MPC decided as follows:
1.
In the meantime, the CBN is reintroducing the Retail Dutch Auction System
(RDAS), with effect from Monday, January 19, 2009, and will be conducted
on Mondays and Wednesdays. We will revert to WDAS at the appropriate
time.
2.
Bids for the purchase of foreign exchange under the RDAS must be cashbacked at the time of the bid.
3.
Funds purchased from CBN at the Auction shall be used for eligible

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transactions only, subject to stipulated documentation requirements. Such
fund shall NOT be transferable in the interbank foreign exchange market.
4.
Authorized Dealers shall return to the CBN any unutilized funds within five
(5) business days after delivery, at the rate of purchase.
5.
Purchases by banks on behalf of their customers will be published in the
dailies fortnightly.
6.
Interest earned on Letters of Credit established and for which settlement has
not been effected, shall be repatriated to the CBN for repurchase at the bid
rate at the time the funds were purchased.
7.
The foreign exchange Net Open Position (NOP) of banks will be reduced
from 10% to 5% with effect from Monday, January 19, 2009.
8.
CBN remains committed to Section 15 (4), of the Foreign Exchange
(Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act of 1995, which guarantees
unconditional transferability of funds in respect of loans, and portfolio and
foreign direct investments into Nigeria.
Prof. Chukwuma C. Soludo, CFR,
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria,
Abuja,
January 14, 2009

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Appendix 2
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 61, 9 FEBRUARY 2009
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met today, February 9, 2009 and reviewed
the current domestic and international economic and financial developments. The
Committee, at the outset, noted that the country's present economic and financial
situation and its near-term prospects are impacted largely by exogenous factors. The
deepening recession in industrialized economies and the slowdown in economic
activity of emerging countries, the fall in capital flows into Nigeria through
remittances and foreign investments and the drying up of credit lines for Nigerian
banks would, in the view of the Committee, impact negatively on Nigeria's external
and fiscal positions. The latest estimates of economic outlook of industrialized and
emerging economies show that their performance in 2009 would continue to be a
major drag on the world economy. The sub-Saharan Africa too is projected to post a
lower rate of output growth in the year ahead.
On the domestic scene, the Committee noted that macroeconomic outcomes in 2008
weakened slightly relative to the previous year due largely to the global financial
crisis and the attendant economic slowdown. Indeed, the Committee observed that
output growth in 2008 was more or less unchanged from the 2007 level. High food
prices throughout the year continued to drive head line inflation. Interest rates
trended upwards from the third quarter and remained elevated through November,
but moderated in December. The Naira exchange rate was stable through November,
but depreciated sharply in December and January 2009 following increased demand
pressures.
The international developments, in the view of the Committee, present serious
challenges to policy making in the short term notwithstanding signs of inherent
resilience of the domestic real and financial sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Monetary policy in particular has a major role to play in moderating the price
variables interest rates and exchange rates in a manner that would foster business

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confidence and economic growth, price and exchange rate stability and financial
soundness. Key Macro-economic Developments
tion rate at end December
ecember 2007. Similarly,
ember 2008 from 3.6 per
horizon suggests gradual
h may likely remain in the
re inflation is projected to
regate output as measured
prices, provided by the
e output growth for 2008
cent achieved in 2007.
rowth.
8.02 per cent in 2008. The
y the rise in credit to the
tes indicate that monetary
e expected decline in net
tion in growth in credit to
a exchange rate that took
rket in December 2008
y the perceived negative
ow to the economy has
constrained supply to the market leaving the CBN as the main source of Foreign
Exchange. However, with the measures taken in January 2009, the exchange rate
depreciation has moderated.
Inflation
The Committee noted that the year-on-year headline infla
2008 was 15.1 per cent compared with 6.6 per cent at end-D
the core inflation trended upwards to 10.4 per cent in Dec
cent at the end of 2007. The Bank's six month forecast
moderation of the year-on-year headline inflation, althoug
double-digit zone in the first half of the year. Similarly, co
moderate during the period. The latest estimates of the agg
by the Gross Domestic Product at 1990 constant basic
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that aggregat
was estimated at 6.41 per cent, close to the 6.45 per
Agriculture contributed 2.75 per centage points to overall g
Monetary Aggregates
Provisional data for broad money (M2) grew sharply by 5
MPC noted that the growth in M2 was driven largely b
private sector, which grew by 59.52 per cent. Staff estima
expansion in 2009 is likely to moderate on account of th
foreign assets, complemented by the anticipated decelera
the domestic economy.
Exchange Rate
The Committee noted the sharp depreciation in the nair
place in all the segments of the foreign exchange ma
following the sudden surge in demand, induced largely b
impact of the global financial crisis. The reduced infl

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External Reserves
The MPC noted the recent foreign exchange demand pressure and decline in
exchange earnings which resulted from the fall in the international oil p
assured that efforts were being made to forestall the rapid depreciation of
and preserve the country's external reserves position in spite of the en
challenges posed by the current turmoil in the global economy.
Capital Market
The MPC noted with cautious optimism the improvement in the activiti
equities segment of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) since January 3
against the backdrop of the bearish performance that characterized the mar
the second quarter of 2008. With appropriate policy interventions, it is expe
the current positive development would be sustained.
Outlook
In line with seasonal pattern, growth in broad money is expected to modera
first quarter of 2009, owing to the lull in fiscal operations and economic
during the period. Consequently, staff projections indicate that headline
would moderate during the first and second quarters of 2009.
Conclusions and Decisions
The paradox that we face currently is that excess liquidity is co-existing wi
interest rates, which in real terms and in relation to the deposit rate seem to
On the one hand we need to tighten liquidity to address inflation and excha
concerns; while on the other hand, we would need to address high interes
relaxing monetary conditions. Another paradox is that the observed excess
foreign
rice and
the naira
ormous
es at the
0, 2009
ket from
cted that
te in the
activity
inflation
th rising
be high.
nge rate
t rate by
liquidity
has not translated to commensurate credit creation; in fact credit growth appears to
have slowed down.
The Committee also noted the currently heightened risk perception and changes in
liquidity management, accompanied by uncertainties in the fiscal arena given that
the budget for 2009 has not been passed. The outlook for the foreign exchange
market is however positive. In the circumstance the MPC is concerned about

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achieving the multiple objectives of a sound financial system, price and exchange
rate stability, as well as ensuring that credit continues to flow to the rest of the
economy.
Consequently the MPC decided as follows:
a.
Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) will be kept unchanged at 9.75 per cent;
b.
Open market operations will be actively used for achieving effective
liquidity management;
c.
The CBN is seriously concerned about the rising lending rates and especially
the re-pricing of existing facilities by banks as well as the wide spread
between deposit and lending rates. The CBN will be meeting with the bank
chief executive officers to agree on modalities to check excesses, especially
in the light of the global economic and financial crisis.
d.
To anchor expectations and stabilize the exchange rate, MPC remains
committed to managing the exchange rate within a band of +/-3 per cent until
further notice.
rates shall not be more
be more than 1 per cent
e.
The difference between the CBN buying and selling
than 1 per cent; while that of banks and BDCs will not
and 2 per cent, respectively around the CBN rate.
Professor Chukwuma C Soludo, CFR
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria,
Abuja.
February 9, 2009

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Appendix 3
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 62, 8 APRIL 2009
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met today to review the challenges posed to
the Nigerian economy by the complex mix of external and domestic economic and
financial developments. The Committee recognized at the outset that external forces
have had a severe impact on the Nigerian economy through trade, finance and
confidence channels. The Committee, however, noted that the severity of the impact
could be alleviated by undertaking appropriate economic and financial policies,
taking into account the evolving international economic situation.
The Committee noted that movements in crude oil prices play a critical role in the
Nigerian economy. This has limited the macroeconomic and external performance of
the economy since October 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, the outcomes have
been mixed.
Key Economic and Financial Developments
The Committee reviewed the recent policy initiatives by the CBN to stabilize the
foreign exchange market and to improve liquidity conditions in the domestic money
market. It welcomed the staff assessment of the positive impact of these initiatives on
the domestic economy, given the market view of the outlook in the context of the
global economic and financial crisis.
Domestic Output
Provisional aggregate output growth in the first quarter of 2009 was estimated at 6.32
per cent by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) compared with 5.78 per cent in
the corresponding quarter of 2008. For 2009 as a whole, the NBS estimate of real
output growth is 5.75 per cent. Compared with the growth outlook of the rest of the
world, the projected domestic output growth is robust.

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Price Developments
Inflation
Inflation has been high and a matter of concern. The Committee noted the upward
swing of the year-on-year headline inflation from 14.0 per cent in January to 14.6 per
cent in February 2009. Core inflation, however, decelerated to 7.2 per cent in
February from 8.0 per cent in January whereas food inflation rose from 18.4 per cent
in January to 20.0 per cent in February. The outlook for inflation in the near term
remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the staff estimates indicate that inflation could
decelerate to single digit by mid-2009, in response to subdued aggregate demand,
lower impact of imported inflation and the near-completion of the pass through
effect of the depreciation of the Naira.
Interest Rates
The domestic money market rates have been under pressure since February 2009.
The weighted average interbank call rate went up from 17.62 per cent in February to
22.15 per cent in March. The collateralized Open Buy Back (OBB) rate however was
lower than the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). The deposit and lending rates too have
inched up. The staff expected that in the near-term, interest rates are likely to
moderate in response to expected subdued inflation and improvements in the
liquidity conditions facilitated by the CBN initiatives in this regard.
Exchange Rate
The MPC noted with satisfaction the positive outcomes of measures taken recently
in stabilizing the exchange rates in all the segments of the market. The demand for
foreign exchange has moderated significantly in the retail Dutch Auction System and
will continue to be sustained in the near term.
Monetary and External Developments
Provisional data indicates that broad money (M2) declined by 1.14 per cent in
February 2009 over the end-December 2008 level. However, on a year-on-year basis
(February 2009 over February 2008) M2 grew by approximately 30 per cent. This
was mainly on account of 44 per cent (on annualized basis) growth in credit to the
private sector by end-February 2009. The order of expansion in M2 on a year on-year

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basis is in line with long term trends and could be sustained in the short to medium
term. The Committee noted that financial conditions in the country remain robust.
There are no apparent systemic threats to the banking system. Regulatory practices
and guidelines are generally in line with best practice. The Committee further noted
with satisfaction the efforts being made to continuously improve upon the regulatory
framework. Foreign exchange reserves position has continued to support external
sustainability, facilitated by the downward movement in the overall world trade and
financial flows.
Policy Coordination
The Committee is of the view that for monetary policy to be credible and effective, it
should have the support of appropriate fiscal policy and structural reforms. The
Committee therefore reaffirmed its commitment to coordinate monetary policy
actions with those of fiscal and other institutional and regulatory policies. The MPC
underscored the importance of the CBN acting in concert with the fiscal authorities
in the efforts at addressing the global economic and financial crisis.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the MPC observed the relative tight monetary conditions in the
economy, and hence the need for monetary easing. The major pressure points for
monetary policy in the short term include:

Liquidity tightness and hence relatively higher interbank interest rates, and
also pressures on other interest rates

Lower growth rate of credit to the private sector compared to the trend in the
last three years

Rising food price inflation, and need for increased agricultural output

Ensuring the continuation of banking and financial sector stability and
soundness

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Decisions
In view of the above, the MPC decided to:
i)
Reduce MPR from 9.75 per cent to 8.0 per cent;
ii)
Reduce the liquidity ratio from 30.0 per cent to 25.0 per cent with effect from
April 14, 2009; and
iii)
Reduce the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) from 2.0 per cent to 1.0 per
cent with effect from April 14, 2009.
The MPC also commended the earlier CBN Board's decision and Mr. President's
approval in respect of the N200 billion special agricultural fund for large scale
agriculture. The CBN will fully underwrite the cost of the fund, and ensure
immediate implementation. This initiative will significantly reduce food price
inflation, and assist the CBN in achieving its core mandate of price stability.
Professor Chukwuma C. Soludo, CFR
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria,
Abuja.
APRIL 8, 2009

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Appendix 4
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
ST
COMMUNIQUE NO. 63, 21 MAY 2009
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had a meeting yesterday and reviewed
money and foreign exchange market developments. The Committee noted that there
was a need to address the problem of excess liquidity in the system without
necessarily putting pressure on interest rates.
The MPC noted that exchange rates have remained stable at both the official and the
parallel markets for some months now. However, there has remained a wide
premium between the official and parallel market rates. The MPC observed that the
medium term outlook for the forex market was stable.
Consequently, the MPC decided to review the series of controls instituted in the last
few months and, over the next three months, return to a fully liberalized regime that
we had before the recent controls. We believe that the premium between the parallel
and official exchange rates will narrow significantly in the days ahead, and we can
sustain the changes over time. The CBN is also exploring the possibility of
introducing futures and swaps in the foreign exchange market.
Decisions:
Consequently, the MPC decided as follows:
1.
To issue short-term instruments to be synchronized with the Debt
Management Office's (DMO) issuance of the FGN Bonds to mop-up excess
liquidity in the system.
2.
To return to a regime of fully liberalized foreign exchange market over the
next three months. As a first set of measures towards the return to Wholesale
Dutch Auction System (wDAS), the Committee decided to increase the
foreign exchange net open position (NOP) for banks from 1.0 to 2.5 per cent
with immediate effect, while keeping in view the possibility of raising it
further at the end of June 2009.

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3.
Banks are no longer mandatorily required to sell to the CBN, after 5 days,
funds sourced from non-rDAS and non-oil export proceeds and may use such
funds for interbank transactions.
4.
Removal of the requirement that banks transact foreign exchange at 1.0 per
cent round the CBN rate. The CBN will now participate in the interbank
foreign exchange market at the prevailing rate.
5.
Effective June 1, 2009, rDAS will be twice weekly.
6.
Approval-in-Principle (AIP) has been granted to 50 non-bank Class 'A'
BDCs. The list of the BDCs will be published from Saturday, May 23, 2009.
As from next week (week beginning from May 25, 2009), about US$60
million will be sold to the BDCs per week. The BDCs are expected to sell at
retail rate of not more than 2.0 per cent above the CBN selling rate.
7.
Government Agencies and Oil Companies will have discretion to sell foreign
exchange at the interbank foreign exchange market or to the CBN with effect
from May 25, 2009.
Professor Chukwuma C. Soludo, CFR
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria,
Abuja.
May 21, 2009

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Appendix 5
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 64, 7 JULY 2009
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met today to review and discuss the latest
domestic and international developments and their implications for the Nigerian
economy. The Committee noted the continued adverse effects of weak global
demand and falling crude oil production on Nigeria's external and fiscal performance
during the second quarter of the year. The MPC noted the reported prospects of
economic recovery in some emerging market economies. However, this
development is not likely to offset the continued weak economic performance in
advanced economies. In view of the openness of the Nigerian economy, the
Committee observed that the growth prospects may weaken in the remainder of
2009, more so that inflationary tendencies appear to be persisting.
Key Economic and Financial Developments
Domestic Output
Provisional data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that the
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 1990 constant basic prices grew by 4.85 per cent
in the first quarter of 2009. It is estimated that the GDP grow by 5.13 per cent in the
second quarter of 2009 compared with 5.20 per cent in the corresponding period of
2008. The non-oil sector is estimated to grow by 8.03 per cent in the second quarter of
2009 mainly as a result of the performance of agriculture (2.84 per cent); wholesale
and retail trade (2.20 per cent); and services (2.28 per cent).The NBS forecast shows
a lower growth of 5.75 per cent in overall real GDP for 2009, compared with 6.41 per
cent in 2008, notwithstanding the projected weak performance of the global
economy.
Price Developments
Inflation
The Committee noted the marginal decline in headline year-on-year inflation rate to
13.2 per cent in May from 13.3 per cent in April 2009. The persistence of high food
inflation at 15.7 per cent in May compared with 15.3 per cent in April remains a

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matter of serious concern given its overwhelming weight in the consumer price
index (CPI) basket. It is, however, expected that the headline inflation would slow
down in the coming months on account of slack demand and the likely improvement
in the supplies of agricultural produce.
Monetary Developments
Provisional data indicates that broad money (M2) decelerated sharply by 4.9 per cent
in the first five months of 2009 in contrast with the growth of 29.9 per cent during the
corresponding period of 2008. On a year-on-year basis, M2 grew by 15.6 per cent,
mainly on account of the decline in net foreign assets and slowdown in credit to
private sector. The decline in net foreign assets reflected the fall in oil export receipts
and deceleration in other inflows, calling for policy initiatives to improve the
availability of foreign exchange in the system. The slowdown in credit to private
sector is not unconnected with the slack domestic demand as well as financial
squeeze, requiring a combination of credit and structural measures to ensure that
there are no enduring adverse effects of credit slowdown on growth and
employment.
Interest Rates
Key interest rates at the interbank market rose in May and June 2009. The weighted
average interbank call rate on unsecured transactions stood at 12.5 per cent in April,
13.2 per cent in May and 18.6 per cent in June. In the first few days of July, the
interbank call rate ranged from 21 to 22 per cent. The weighted average open buy
back rates in April, May and June were 7.1, 7.2 and 7.7 per cent, respectively. The
average spread between the call rates and the rates on secured transactions has been
very high at 1090 basis points in June, 600 basis points in May and 540 basis points in
April. The average prime lending rate rose from 19.34 per cent in April to 19.53 per
cent in May 2009 while the average maximum lending rate declined from 23.17 per
cent in April to 22.86 per cent in May. The weighted average rate on all categories of
deposits rose from 5.98 per cent in April to 6.13 per cent in May 2009. Thus, the
spread between the two rates is higher than the current inflation rate, which provides
a unique opportunity to banks to improve efficiency and reduce lending rates.

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Exchange Rates
The MPC noted with satisfaction that recent measures to stabilize the Naira
exchange rate have posted some positive outcomes. The Naira exchange rate has
stabilized at the rDAS in recent weeks while in the other segments, the rates have
appreciated, thereby narrowing the arbitrage opportunities. However, the premium
over the rDAS rate has remained significant. The present situation offers an
opportunity to further narrow the gap between the two rates by measures aimed at
further liberalizing the interbank foreign exchange market.
External Reserves
Foreign exchange reserves as at July 03, 2009 amounted to US$43.19 billion
(provisional) compared with US$53 billion at end December 2008. The decline in
reserves mirrored mainly the relative downward drift in international crude oil prices
from the levels reached in mid-2008 and the slowdown of other foreign exchange
inflows. However, the decline in reserves is likely to moderate in the next two
quarters owing to the expected rise in international crude oil demand arising from
recent reports of improvement in the recovery prospects in the US and other
developed countries and in the relatively favorable outlook for growth in some
important emerging economies.
The Stance of Policy
The Committee noted that the recent economic and financial developments point to
the need for policies to be focused on growth, exchange rate and financial market
dynamics. Monetary and credit policies have to be therefore properly integrated with
exchange rate policies. The stance of monetary policy in the coming months would
be to assure that liquidity, both domestic and foreign currency, is adequate to meet
genuine demand and that real lending rates are moderated. To match these forces for
bringing about stability in foreign exchange and domestic money markets, the CBN
would undertake suitable foreign exchange and domestic open market operations in
a coordinated manner in the coming months. For this purpose, the CBN would
announce an advance calendar of its operations for each week so that market
expectations are formed in a manner that is conducive to the realization of the
objectives of policy. The CBN also proposes to have in place firm consultation

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procedures with bank executives prior to and after the policy meetings as a condition
for bringing about a more open and transparent monetary policy.
Decisions:
In the light of the above, the Monetary Policy Committee decided as follows:
A.
Interest Rate Policy
1)
The Committee affirms the clearly established empirical evidence of a strong
nexus between low real interest rates and economic growth. However, the
strategy for achieving low interest rates will need to be based on market
forces and involve a deliberate and painstaking effort aimed at addressing
structural problems that lead to high interest rates. All caps and floors
imposed thus far by the Bankers' Committee have turned out to be
unenforceable and counter-productive. Only a minority of banks are fully
compliant. The Committee has, therefore, removed those caps.
2)
The wide divergence between interbank rates and the Monetary Policy Rate
(MPR) exerts pressures on lending rates. As part of the strategy for achieving
convergence, the Monetary Policy Framework which has the interest rate
corridor as an important component is hereby restored. Consequently, the
MPR would be reduced from 8.00 per cent to 6.00 per cent per annum. The
corridor of interest rates would be +/- 200 basis points, with the rate on the
standing lending facility at 8.00 per cent and the rate on the standing deposit
facility at 4.00 per cent.
3)
It is recognized that high interbank rates are substantially driven by the
refusal of banks to lend to each other because of perceived counter-party risk.
Whereas steps are being taken by the CBN to address this problem through
proper bank audits, appropriate resolution frameworks and enhanced
disclosure and transparency in financial statements, these will take some
time before finalization and full restoration of confidence in the system. In
view of the dire consequences to the real sector and the banks themselves of a
sustained regime of excessively high interest rates, it is important to de-risk

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the interbank market and address the concerns of lenders and investors while
the regulatory reforms are in progress.
Consequently, the CBN shall provide a guarantee on all interbank
placements from July 2009 to March 31, 2010. This guarantee is also
extended to placements with banks by pension funds. Details of operational
modalities will be discussed at the Bankers' Committee meeting. However, a
condition for this guarantee is that pricing must reflect the credit
enhancement it provides. Overnight placements shall not be priced higher
than MPR + 2%. A maximum spread of 300, 400 and 500 basis points above
the MPR shall be maintained for tenors up to 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively.
This will lay the foundation for evolving a risk-free yield curve at the short
end. The CBN expects to conclude the diagnosis, resolution and disclosure
policy on the banking system, by March 31, 2010.
4)
In view of the CBN guarantee of the interbank market transactions, there will
be no new loans on the Expanded Discount Window (EDW) and no extension
of maturing obligations. Furthermore, all banks are required to liquidate their
obligations under the EDW facility at maturity.
B.
Foreign Exchange Market
1)
The interbank foreign exchange market will be liberalized with immediate
effect and wDAS replaces rDAS.
2)
All other restrictions imposed recently are removed and the net open position
limit for banks is increased to 5% of banks' capital base.
3)
All Class 'B' Bureaux-de-Change may now participate directly in the CBN
window. Only those with valid licences are eligible. However, they will make
a caution deposit of $20,000.00 each.

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4)
Class 'A' BDCs capital requirement is hereby reduced from N500 million to
N250 million.
5)
Allocation of foreign exchange will differ in magnitude between Class 'A'
and 'B' BDCs, given the different levels of capitalization.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria,
Abuja.
July 7, 2009

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Appendix 6
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
ST
COMMUNIQUE NO. 65, 1 SEPTEMBER 2009
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met today to address the challenges faced
by the Nigerian economy against the backdrop of recent domestic and international
economic and financial developments.
External Environment
The Committee noted at the outset that recessionary conditions in many developed
economies seem to be abating. However, there still exists considerable uncertainty as
to when economic recovery would set in on a sustained basis. In recent weeks, there
has been some improvement in the price of crude oil in international markets. While
this development augurs well for Nigeria's fiscal and external sector positions, its
sustainability would, however, depend on how quickly the global economy would
bottom out of the current recession. Inflation rates have so far been very low in
developed countries, making it possible for central banks to maintain record low
levels of interest rates. However, unemployment rates continue to be high and the
financial system is still not adequately capitalized. Other emerging countries too
have recorded economic slowdown and relatively low inflation. They are, however,
recovering at an improved rate and their financial and foreign exchange markets
have been functioning well.
Key Domestic Developments
Output
The latest estimates of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for 2008 and 2009
show a moderation in the rates of real GDP growth. The revised growth rate for 2008
is put at 5.99 per cent as against an earlier estimate of 6.41 per cent. For 2009, the
NBS has projected growth at 5.33 per cent compared with an earlier projection of
5.75 per cent. In the first quarter of 2009, growth was in the order of 4.50 per cent
compared with 4.64 per cent in the first quarter of 2008. In the second quarter of
2009, however, output growth is estimated at a higher level of 6.73 per cent
compared with 5.65 per cent in the second quarter of 2008. This was largely due to

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the contributions of agriculture, wholesale and retail trade and a growth in the
relative contribution of petroleum and natural gas production from -1.72 to 0.57
percentage points. Against this background, the Committee noted the increased
agricultural output and the expected improvement in the output of petroleum and
natural gas will augur well for dampening inflation expectations.

Inflation
The Committee noted that the headline (year-on-year) inflation has been stable at a
little over 11 per cent as at July 2009. The average rates of headline inflation and food
inflation in the first seven months of 2009 were respectively 13.11 per cent (11.53 per
cent in 2008) and 15.94 per cent (15.98 per cent in 2008). Given the outlook on
output and limited aggregate demand, the staff assessment is that at the end of the
year, the headline inflation would moderate further. However, should there be any
reversal in the movement of inflation; appropriate policies would be adopted at the
next MPC meeting. The main risk to inflation comes from core inflation with higher
oil prices and possible removal of subsidies combining with the usual growth of
spending around the Christmas festive season.
Monetary Developments
Provisional data for broad money (M2) for July 2009 shows a growth of 10.2 per
cent on a year-on-year basis, the lowest for any month since February 2006. This
largely reflects the decline in net foreign assets (NFA) and sharp deceleration in the
growth of credit to private sector.
The Committee noted that recent improvements in oil output and prices would help
to improve the gross foreign exchange reserves of the economy. However, it
underscored the importance of continuing with the efforts at improving the
macroeconomic climate for attracting foreign capital inflows and spurring growth of
private credit for productive purposes.
Interest Rates and Financial Markets
With the reduction of the Monetary Policy Rate and the introduction of an interest
rate corridor as well as Central Bank's guarantee of unsecured interbank market

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transactions which were firmly set, effective July 20, there has been considerable
improvement in the risk perceptions of market participants. The spread between the
unsecured call rate and the secured open buy-back (OBB) rate has since then come
down significantly and averaged 430 basis points compared with the average spread
of 1384 basis points between July 1 and July 17 and the average spread of 1115 basis
points in June 2009. The coupon rates on dated government securities in the primary
market have tended to move downwards. The overnight interbank rate was 4.11 per
cent as at 28th August, 2009.
In general, this implies a massive reduction in the interbank rates since the last MPC
meeting. However, the translation of this reduction into rates on purchased funds and
lending rates seems to be delayed. Both rates are being monitored on an on-going
basis.
Exchange Rates and Foreign Exchange Reserves
The foreign exchange market has in general been relatively stable with the reintroduction of the wholesale Dutch auction system and the measures taken to
further liberalize the interbank market since the last meeting of the MPC. There has
also been reduction in exchange rate volatility. The spread between the rates at which
the auctions had been settled and the rates quoted by BDCs have narrowed from
about 12 per cent to 4.4 per cent. In view of this, the spread would narrow further
once the confidence in the international foreign exchange markets is fully restored
with the bottoming out of the current global recession, and more BDCs are being
brought into the market.
Foreign exchange reserves as at August 28, 2009 stood at US $41.597 billion. The
Committee believes that the recent improvement in the output of oil and the price of
crude oil in international markets should help improve the external reserves position
towards the end of the year.
Perspectives and the Stance of Policy
Against the backdrop of signs of gradual improvement in the external economic
environment and the positive outlook for the domestic economy, the Committee felt

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that policy initiatives are needed to further improve growth without jeopardising
price and financial stability. It will, therefore, continue to manage liquidity actively
to ensure that credit requirements are taken care of at reasonable interest rates while
monitoring the trends in prices. The Committee will also pursue an interest rate
policy that is consistent with price and financial stability and supportive of
enhancing the levels of economic activity on a higher trajectory.
On foreign exchange, the policy stance remains that exchange rate should be
principally market driven, but interventions will be made to mitigate tendencies
towards volatility and to counteract speculative attacks on the national currency.
Decisions
In the light of the above, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to:
a)
Keep the MPR unchanged at 6 per cent per annum;
b)
Maintain the interest rate corridor at +/- 2 per cent around the MPR; and
c)
Approve in principle the establishment of an “Asset Purchase Facility Fund”.
The Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Finance to jointly consider the
modalities for setting up the APF Fund for effective liquidity injection and credit
easing targeted at specific areas of the economy.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
Abuja
September 1, 2009

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Appendix 7
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
RD
COMMUNIQUE NO. 66, 3 NOVEMBER 2009
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its meeting today reviewed the domestic
and external economic and financial developments for the year so far. The
international economic scene, in the Committee's view, has turned out to be better
than was projected about six months ago. Developed countries that were most
adversely affected by the severe economic and financial crises have shown some
signs of improvement in terms of output. However, questions remain on the
durability and sustainability of the recovery.
There are also concerns over the high unemployment rates in these economies,
although the stock and housing markets showed some evidence of picking up. The
financial sector has been stabilized and measures are set to closely monitor and
regulate it. The prices of primary commodities including crude oil have risen largely
due to the fiscal and monetary stimulus and on news of recovery. The rise in
commodity prices however has given rise to concerns about resurgence of inflation
in the near future. Emerging countries on their part have registered fairly good
growth rates and are poised to make further gains in 2010. The main concerns in the
international economy relate to the robustness of the recovery and the possibility of
incipient inflationary tendencies. It is against this background that the question of
timing and dimension of fiscal and monetary tightening is being debated.
The Committee reviewed the domestic economic developments bearing in mind the
evolving international economic and financial situation. The review underscored the
need for strengthening the on-going efforts at working out economic policies with
reference to a desirable medium term path of economic growth along with price and
financial stability. Monetary policy, the Committee emphasized, has to play an active
role in the fulfillment of this task.
In the short run, however, the space available for monetary policy is somewhat
limited by the uncertainty about the sustainability and robustness of economic

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recovery in most major trading partner countries, the fiscal constraints largely
brought about by the growing gap between the rising expenditure demands and
revenue receipts and the overall deceleration in domestic economic activities. The
Committee noted with satisfaction that there has been a gradual downward
movement in inflation in recent months but observed that this has mirrored
essentially the slack demand. The Committee also noted that structural measures
currently being undertaken to strengthen the banking sector and to foster financial
stability would pave the way for improved effectiveness of monetary policy in the
short to medium term. The Committee welcomed the recent upward movement in the
prices of crude oil in international markets and hoped that it will be sustained in the
near future. It considered the external payments situation to be manageable. In the
Committee's view, the behavior of short term money market interest rates and
exchange rates is in general consistent with the market fundamentals.
Key Macro-economic and Financial Developments
Output and Prices:
Data on real GDP growth for Quarter 3 of 2009 is not yet firm but the provisional
estimate of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is 7.58 per cent. The NBS
reported that in Quarters I and II, output grew by 4.50 per cent and 7.22 per cent,
respectively. The Committee felt that on the basis of the output growth recorded thus
far and other indicators, growth in 2009 would remain robust.
The inflation rate as measured by the year-on-year increase in 'all items' consumer
price index was 10.4 per cent in September 2009. This outcome is lower than the
headline inflation of 15.1 per cent in December 2008 and lower than the average
headline inflation of 12.6 per cent for the first 9 months of the year. Food inflation has
been between 12.5 and 13.0 per cent in Q III of the year.
Monetary and Financial Market Developments:
Broad money (M2) at the end of September 2009 showed an increase of 5.6 per cent
on a year-on-year basis. The year-on year movement in narrow money (M1) was
negative 4.2 per cent as at end-September 2009 mainly on account of the decline in
demand deposits. The trends in money supply movement reflect the fall in net

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foreign assets and slowdown in credit to private sector. This implies that the
aggregate demand is not adequate, suggesting the need for the continuation of an
accommodative monetary policy.
Notwithstanding the low monetary growth, money market rates, reflected market
realities. With the interbank money market guarantees in place and the measures to
strengthen the banking sector, confidence in the money market has improved. This is
reflected in the downward movement in the daily unsecured call rates. The average
call rate for September 2009 was 9.98 per cent compared with 10.38 per cent in
August and 17.64 per cent in July. The secured open buy-back (OBB) rate was 6.71
per cent for September, 2009, compared to the 6.67 per cent in August but lower than
the 7.47per cent in July. The spread representing the counterparty credit risk thus
narrowed to 327 basis points in September as against 365 basis points in August and
1017 basis points in July. In October, the call rate averaged 6.95 per cent while the
average OBB rate was 6.08 per cent, the spread being a mere 87 basis points.
The Committee noted that in October excess reserves of banks with the CBN were
high with the average daily excess reserves exceeding the average in any of the
preceding four months of the year. Some banks took recourse to standing deposit
facilities with sharp increase since the middle of the month. No bank accessed the
standing lending facilities during the same period. While this could be considered a
structural phenomenon in view of the mid-month Federation Accounts Allocations,
the sharp recourse to standing deposit facility and non-use of the standing lending
facility in the latter-half of the month seem to suggest that there is scope to reset the
rates on standing facilities so as to eliminate perverse incentives and encourage
banks to enlarge their asset portfolios in a prudent manner.
Stock market developments continued to be marked by cautions. In October 2009,
the year-on-year declines in the average share price index and market capitalization
were 47.0 per cent and 42.4 per cent respectively. The declines, however, are an
improvement over the average declines of 57.6 per cent in the share prices and 50.7
per cent in market capitalization in the first nine months of the year. This may be
attributable to the emerging news that the financial conditions of the domestic

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banking sector has been strengthened by the injection of funds by the CBN and the
major stock markets of the world have shown improved investor sentiments
following reports of imminent recovery in the medium term.
External Sector Developments
The foreign exchange market has been stable. The official exchange rate stood at an
average of N149.3578 per US dollar in October 2009. The interbank market rate
averaged N150.1252/$US. There was thus a slight appreciation of the Naira during
the month. The spread between the rates has continued to be insignificant.
Foreign exchange reserves stood at US$43.34 billion as at end September 2009, an
improvement of about US$ 1.64 billion over August, mainly owing to the receipt of
the SDR allocation. As at October 30, 2009, foreign exchange reserves are
provisionally estimated to be US$43.05 billion. Crude oil prices in the international
markets have edged upward in recent weeks. If the current oil price trend is sustained
and if the expected recovery in both developed and emerging countries is realized,
there will be further improvement in the level of foreign exchange reserves, with
implications for liquidity and exchange rate management. The Committee will
continue to ensure stable exchange rates determined by market forces.
The Committee's Considerations
The Committee observed that while inflation has decelerated, it is important to
recognize that seasonal factors and the planned deregulation of the prices of
petroleum products pose a major risk to inflation outlook in the near to medium term.
It is this context that heightens the criticality of the policy dilemma now being faced
by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Providing further impetus to the current
accommodative monetary policy could be inflationary in the short to medium term
whereas the gap between the likely output growth and the trend rate of growth as well
as the fragility of economic recovery in many of the systemically important countries
point to the need for maintaining monetary accommodation along with reasonable
fiscal stimulus. The Committee also noted the existing paradox of the co-existence of
system-wide liquidity shortages as reflected in the data on monetary and credit
aggregates and abundant liquidity with some banks as evidenced from the data on

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standing facilities. The CBN, in the light of these considerations, has to take a
balanced view of the measures required for fostering growth prospects and
containing inflationary pressures on a sustained basis and also to further strengthen
the liquidity management.
Decisions
In the light of the above, the Committee took the following decisions:
1.
The Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) will remain unchanged at 6 per cent, but an
asymmetric corridor of interest rates around the MPR is introduced. The rate
on the standing lending facility will remain at 200 basis points above the
MPR, while the rate on the standing deposit facility will be 400 basis points
below the MPR.
2.
There will be quantitative easing to bridge the gap currently estimated at
about N500 billion between the levels of the current monetary aggregates
and the benchmark levels for 2009. The modalities for quantitative easing
include investments in bonds to be issued by Asset Management Company
(AMC). The setting up of AMC, however, is subject to the approval of the
National Assembly. Other modalities include the redemption of promissory
notes issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as by the CBN in
connection with the retirement of debt and liabilities arising from purchase
and assumption of failed banks.
3.
Purchase of loans by banks under the AMC will be based on terms aimed at
strengthening the balance sheets with a focus on asset quality, improving
liquidity and capital adequacy as well as on reducing debt overhang relating
to the stock market in order to stimulate activity in the capital market.
4.
With effect from November 16, 2009, the temporary ban placed by the CBN
on the use of Bankers' Acceptances (BAs) and Commercial Papers (CPs) will
be lifted. Guidelines will be issued by the CBN prior to that date.

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5.
In view of the fact that the audits of banks have been concluded and adequate
provisions have been made for non-performing loans and to stimulate credit
growth and strengthen banks' balance sheets, the 1 per cent general provision
on performing loans contained in the existing prudential guidelines is hereby
waived for the year 2009 as a countercyclical measure. New prudential
guidelines will be issued before the end of Q1 2010. The totality of these
measures is aimed at improving system liquidity and financial stability to
regenerate confidence in the Nigerian markets and to further stimulate
growth. The MPC is conscious of the upside risks as a result of quantitative
easing but holds the view that progress in the execution of capital projects
and favourable outlook on agricultural output growth will moderate the
upside risks. The priority, therefore, is to stimulate growth in output and to
ensure financial stability with a view to improving the effectiveness of
monetary policy.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
Abuja
November 3, 2009

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Appendix 8
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 67, 4 AND 5 JANUARY 2010
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 4th and 5th January, 2010 to review
domestic economic conditions in 2009 and the challenges faced by the Nigerian
economy against the backdrop of developments in the international economic and
financial environments in order to chart the course for monetary and financial sector
policies for 2010. On the international economic scene, the Committee noted that
developed countries that were most adversely affected by the severe economic and
financial crises had started showing signs of recovery.
The apparent rebound in global economic activity was being driven mainly by rising
manufacturing activity, recovering housing markets and the restoration of consumer
confidence. Although central banks around the world have undertaken large interest
rate cuts and measures to inject liquidity into their economies, the risks still remain
that the current rebound may be sluggish and that the global economy would remain
credit-constrained in the near-to medium-term, as financial institutions continue to
maintain their cautious approach to credit extension.
The Committee also noted that commodity prices, including crude oil prices, have
resumed an upward trend due largely to the fiscal and monetary stimuli, and the
prospect of economic recovery in advanced economies. The rising commodity prices
have, however, renewed concerns about the resurgence of inflation in the near-term.
The Committee further noted that emerging and developing market economies, on
their part, have continued to show strong resilience to the financial crises and
recorded positive growth rates despite the harsh international economic and
financial environment in 2009.
On the domestic scene, the MPC underscored the need for strengthening ongoing
reform efforts in the banking sector aimed at engendering desirable medium term
economic growth path consistent with price and financial stability. It further
underlined the need to fast-track the proposed reforms in some key sectors of the

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Nigerian economy, and in particular, the power sector, to attract the much-needed
private sector/foreign investment. This, the Committee noted, was necessary
because of the benefits in terms of the growth-enhancing and employment-creating
potentials that these reforms and opening-up of the sectors would have on the rest of
the economy.
Key Domestic Macroeconomic and Financial Developments:
Output and Prices:
Provisional data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that real
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.23 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009,
up from 4.50, 7.22 and 7.07 per cent in the first, second, and third quarters,
respectively. Overall GDP growth for 2009 was projected at 6.90 per cent which is
significantly higher than the 5.98 per cent recorded in 2008. The non-oil sector, as a
group, remained the major driver of growth although this was complemented by the
sharp increase in the growth of the oil sector GDP following the relative peace in the
Niger Delta in the second half of the year.
The Committee observed that the higher than anticipated real output growth
recorded in Nigeria despite the harsh international economic environment mirrored
the trends in some sub-Saharan African countries and further buttresses the view that
African countries were better able to withstand the global economic and financial
crises relative to other regions of the world. The Committee felt that on the basis of
the robust economic growth recorded and the sustained implementation of
appropriate policies, further improvement in output could be expected in 2010. The
headline inflation rate, as measured by the year-on-year increase in the all item
consumer price index, was 12.4 per cent in November 2009, up from 11.6 and 10.4
per cent recorded in October and September, respectively. The outcome was
however; lower than the headline inflation of 15.1 per cent recorded in December
2008. Food inflation which hovered between 12.5 and 12.90 per cent in the third
quarter rose to 13.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of the year.
Inflation outlook for 2010 remains uncertain, but a combination of both domestic
and international economic developments, namely the impact of the planned full

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deregulation of petroleum products prices, the expansionary fiscal outlay, the
quantitative easing measures undertaken by the Bank, the resolution costs associated
with the banking sector reforms, possible capital inflows to strengthen commercial
banks balance sheets, and the rising international commodity prices, pose serious
threats to domestic price movements and, hence, inflation risk in the months ahead.
Against this background, the Committee emphasized the need to continue to monitor
price developments with a view to creating an enabling environment for sustainable
economic growth and employment.
Monetary, Credit and Financial Market Developments
Over the preceding December level, broad money (M2) grew by 12.80 per cent (on
annualized basis) in November 2009, which was significantly below the indicative
benchmark of 20.8 per cent growth for 2009. Similarly, the annualized growth rate of
aggregate domestic credit (net) as at November 2009 was 56.10 per cent, compared
with the provisional benchmark growth rate of 86.97 per cent for 2009. Despite the
various policy measures implemented by the CBN to ensure adequate liquidity in the
banking system, reserve money (RM) was largely below the indicative benchmarks
for most of 2009.
The annualized growth rate of private sector credit was 26.10 per cent, significantly
below the indicative benchmark of 45.00 per cent but not in itself insignificant in
view of all the developments in the banking sector. The trends in money supply
movement reflect the fall in net foreign assets and the slowdown in credit to the
private sector. This implies slack aggregate demand, indicating the need for the
continuation of an accommodative monetary policy stance. Notwithstanding the
sub-optimal monetary growth during the year, confidence in the money market has
improved considerably following the interbank money market guarantee and other
measures to strengthen the banking sector. This was reflected in the downward
movement of the daily interbank call rates. Specifically, the average call rate for
November was 5.25 per cent down from 6.60 per cent in October and 9.76 per cent in
September 2009.

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The secured open buy-back (OBB) rate for November was 4.53 per cent, down from
5.80 and 6.60 per cent in October and September, 2009, respectively. As at December
30 2009, the interbank call and OBB rates were 2.91 and 2.51 per cent, respectively.
The spread reflecting counterparty credit risk, has narrowed significantly from an
average of 316 basis points in September to 80 basis points, 72 basis points and 40
basis points in October, November, and December, respectively. The Committee
observed that despite the falling interbank rates, the retail lending rates of deposit
money banks (DMBs) were still high. The average maximum lending rate had risen
to 23.1 per cent in November from 22.97 and 22.64 per cent in September and June,
2009, respectively. Also, the average prime lending rate rose to 18.93 per cent in
November from 18.33 and 18.16 per cent in September and June, 2009, respectively.
The Committee reaffirmed that the reduction of structural and institutional
impediments as well as DMBs risk perception of borrowers could moderate the high
lending rates. It also felt that current efforts by the Bank to promote the use of shared
infrastructure by DMBs as well as the development of the fixed income market in
conjunction with relevant agencies would further reduce cost of operation and
moderate lending rates. The Committee noted the progress made so far in this area
and urged an intensification of efforts and closer collaboration with political
authorities to fast-track its actualization. The weak performance of the Nigerian
capital market continued throughout 2009. The All-Share Index (ASI), which was
31,450.78 in December 2008, fluctuated to 19, 851.89 (36.88 per cent) at end-March
2009, 26,861.55 (14.59 per cent) at end-June 2009, 22,065.00 (29.84 per cent) at
end- September, 2009, and further to 20,827.17 on 31 December, 2009. Market C
pitalization (MC), which stood at N6.96 trillion in December 2008 declined steadily
to N4.989 trillion on 31 December, 2009. The NSE has attributed the bearish
performance at the stock market to the harsh operating environment and the gloomy
economic outlook in 2009, which affected the quarterly results of some quoted
companies.
However, the major stock markets around the world have shown improved investor
sentiments following prospects of recovery in the medium term. It was also noted
that although banking shares in general have been badly affected by losses incurred,

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a number of companies in the non-bank sector have had strong performance in the
stock exchange.
External Sector Developments
The foreign exchange market remained relatively stable for the most part of 2009,
after the initial turbulence recorded in the first quarter of the year, following
measures taken by the CBN. In November, the WDAS average exchange rate stood
at N150.85 per US dollar compared with N149.3578 per US dollar in October 2009,
representing a depreciation of 1.0 per cent. As at end-December 2009, the WDAS
average exchange rate was N149.58 per US dollar compared with N126.48 per dollar
at end-December 2008. The interbank market rate averaged N151.03/$US as at end
December 2009. Thus, as at end-2009, the spread between the WDAS and interbank
market rates was insignificant. The convergence reflects renewed confidence and
clarity in expectation, founded on the stability that has been sustained in exchange
rates. Policy will continue to focus on avoiding volatility in exchange rates and thus
retaining confidence.
External reserves stood at US$42.47 billion on 29th December 2009, down from the
level of US$53.00 billion recorded at end-December 2008. Overall, the net outflow
of foreign exchange has moderated significantly from US$5.6 billion, US$3.8
billion, and US$931.93 million to US$138.37 million in the first, second, third and
fourth quarters, respectively. Notwithstanding the decline in the level of external
reserves as at end-December 2009, the Committee was satisfied that the level of
reserves remained robust and significantly higher than initially projected at the
beginning of the year. However, if the elevated price of crude oil in the international
market in recent months is sustained, then, given improvement in output with peace
in the Niger Delta, there is likely to be an improvement in the level of foreign
exchange reserves. The strong reserve position enhances the Bank's ability to
maintain exchange rate stability and protect the currency from speculative attack.
The Committee's Considerations
The Committee welcomed the optimistic growth forecast for 2010 by the NBS but
noted that the growth had been without employment owing to the stagnation in the

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manufacturing sector, and the failure to link growth in agriculture to industry. The
Committee stressed the need for improvements in power and infrastructure to further
enhance and sustain the growth process. In this regard, the MPC welcomes the
commitment of the Bankers' Committee at its Enugu Retreat to provide the platform
for increased financing for infrastructural development in support of economic
growth. It restated its commitment to work with the government to create the
enabling environment that will facilitate the financing of the real sector by the
DMBs, including strong advocacy for the fast-tracking of stalled reforms in the
power sector, including review of the tariff regimes for gas and electricity and
concessioning of the transmission company.
The Committee also observed that the focus of the reform measures in the banking
sector is to impact the overall efficiency and stability of the system in a manner that
will ensure that banks play their appropriate roles as transmission channels for
resources to the real sector. This is expected to increase credit to the growthenhancing sectors of the economy and therefore, engender an all inclusive growth, as
well as avoid a recurrence of crises provoked by over exposure to speculative and
non-value-adding ventures.
The Committee further cautioned against being overly optimistic in our expectations
about the outlook for the price of crude oil, and welcomed the prudent benchmark
used in the budget for 2010. It noted that the current price of crude oil was being
driven by the low value of the US dollar and the low interest rates in the US and once
these reverse, crude oil prices may be lower than they are today. It expressed the hope
that all stake holders will give support to the Finance Ministry in keeping to this
benchmark price, and resist the temptation to push for an increase based on shortterm consideration.
The Committee took cognizance of the expansionary nature of the 2010 Federal
budget, the continued implementation of the 2009 Budget up to Q1 2010, expected
liquidity injection/inflow during the recapitalization of the troubled banks and
resolution of toxic asset problems, and the eventual deregulation of the downstream
petroleum sector and their possible inflationary impact. In this regard, the MPC

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affirmed that it will closely monitor price developments in the near-term and will
take appropriate policy measures, if necessary, to ensure the attainment of price and
financial sector stability.
On the other hand, the Committee recognised the need to maintain the growth
trajectory of the economy, to ensure that lending rates are not placed under further
upward pressure and to provide sufficient liquidity during the resolution process of
the banking system.
Decisions
In the light of the above, the Committee unanimously took the following decisions:
1.
The Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) will remain unchanged at 6 per cent with
the asymmetric corridor of interest rates remaining at 200 basis points above
the MPR and 400 basis points below the MPR.
2.
The CBN will extend the guarantee on all interbank transactions up till
December 31, 2010. However, the CBN has the discretion to terminate the
guarantee on a case-by-case basis as part of the ongoing reform process.
3.
The MPC approved the Monetary Programme for 2010/2011 and the
Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Guidelines for Fiscal Years
2010/2011.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
Abuja
Jan 5, 2010

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Appendix 9
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
ST
ND
COMMUNIQUE NO. 68, 1 AND 2 MARCH 2010
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 1st and 2nd March, 2010 to review
domestic economic conditions for the first two months of 2010 and the challenges
faced by the Nigerian economy against the backdrop of developments in the
international economic and financial environments in order to chart the course for
monetary and financial sector policies for the remainder of the year. On the
international economic scene, the Committee noted that the rebound in global
economic activity which started in the second half of 2009 has continued. The
rebound was driven largely by the unprecedented amount of fiscal stimuli
undertaken in both the developed and emerging market economies in the wake of the
global financial crises. As a consequence, monetary policy had been largely
accommodative with interest rates down to record lows in most advanced and
emerging markets, coupled with the considerable expansion of central bank balance
sheets.
The key concerns, however, remain the strength and sustainability of the recovery
process which is proceeding at varying speeds across the different regions. In the
advanced economies, the recovery is still expected to be weak by historical
standards, with real output projected to remain below its pre-crisis level until late
2011. Given their stronger initial economic conditions and swift policy responses,
growth in the emerging and developing economies is expected to recover faster. The
Committee also noted the continuing rebound in commodity prices, particularly
crude oil prices, which is helping to support growth in commodity producing
regions. However, the inflation risk of the rebound in energy prices appears to be
mitigated by the subsisting low levels of capacity utilization, weak private demand
and well-anchored inflation expectations.
The MPC also observed that although financial markets have recovered remarkably
faster than expected, financing conditions, especially for businesses and firms, are
likely to remain difficult in the near-term as financial institutions continue to

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maintain a cautious approach to credit extension. Bank lending is likely to remain
sluggish given the need to rebuild capital, maintain liquidity and the possibility of
further credit write downs, mostly related to non-performing exposures to
commercial real estates and stock markets.
The Committee further noted that although the bond markets have rebounded, the
households, small and medium-size enterprises that have only limited access to
capital markets, are likely worldwide to continue to face credit constraints, except
where public lending programmes and government guarantees are in place. As
investors increasingly differentiate across countries with the resumption in capital
flows, the risk of sovereign debt default has been heightened in some countries with
large government deficits and debts. On the domestic scene, the MPC underscored
the need for co-operation in fast-tracking on-going reform efforts in the banking
sector to ensure the flow of credit to the real sector of the economy, aimed at
supporting growth in the medium term. It also underlined the need for energizing
reforms in critical sectors of the economy such as power and other economic
infrastructure, to attract the much-needed private sector/foreign investment and,
thereby promote employment-generating growth.
Key Domestic Macroeconomic and Financial Developments:
Output and Prices
Provisional data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that real
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 6.68 per cent in the first quarter of
2010, down from 8.23 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009, but up from the 4.50 per
cent recorded in the first quarter of 2009. Overall GDP growth for 2010 was
projected at 7.53 per cent which is higher than the 6.90 per cent recorded in 2009.
The non-oil sector, especially, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, and services
would remain the major driver of growth although this is likely to be complemented
by a modest increase in the growth of the oil sector GDP following the sustained
peace in the Niger Delta region. While noting the optimistic growth projections for
the year, the Committee observed that the robust growth projections was predicated
on the assumption that the reforms that have been initiated in certain key sectors of

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the economy would be carried through. It, therefore, urged strong commitment and
political will on the part of the authorities to see these reforms through.
The headline inflation rate, as measured by the year-on-year increase in the all item
consumer price index, was 12.3 per cent in January 2010, up from 12.0 per cent in
December 2009, but lower than the 12.4 per cent recorded in November 2009 and the
14.0 per cent recorded in January 2009. Food inflation, which hovered between 13.5
and 13.6 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009, rose to 14.0 per cent in the January
2010. Inflation outlook for 2010 remains uncertain, due to a combination of both
domestic and international economic developments, namely, the planned full
deregulation of petroleum product prices, the expansionary fiscal outlay for 2010,
and the rising international commodity prices.
The Committee, however, noted that against the backdrop of weak aggregate
demand as mirrored in the contraction in monetary aggregates since the beginning of
2009, the inflation risk to growth appears mitigated. The Committee will continue to
monitor price developments in the months ahead with a view to creating an enabling
environment for sustainable growth and employment.
Monetary, Credit and Financial Market Developments:
Over the preceding December level, broad money (M2) declined by 3.11 per cent in
January 2010, which was significantly below the indicative benchmark of 29.26 per
cent growth for 2010. Similarly, the annualized decline in aggregate domestic credit
(net) as at January 2010 was 22.44 per cent, compared with the provisional
benchmark growth rate of 82.8 per cent for 2010.
As in most periods of 2009, reserve money continued to be below the indicative
benchmark for the first quarter of 2010 in the first two months of 2010. The
annualized growth rate of private sector credit was -16.20 per cent, significantly
below the provisional benchmark of 31.54 per cent, indicating that the private sector
particularly, small and medium enterprises were being starved of the much-needed
credit. Banks lost about 66 per cent of their capital between December 2008 and
December 2009 which has constrained the ability of the banks to grow credit. This

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underscores the need for Asset Management Corporation (AMC) to deal with nonperforming loans and fast-track the recapitalization of the institutions to enable them
continue to grow their loan books.
The trends in money supply reflected a fall in all its components, including net
foreign assets, credit to the private sector and credit to government. This
development is a reflection of the slack in aggregate demand, underlining the need
for the sustenance of the easing of monetary policy. Notwithstanding the sub-optimal
performance of monetary aggregates thus far, confidence in the money market has
continued to improve following the interbank money market guarantee and other
measures to strengthen the banking sector. This is reflected in the downward
movement of the daily interbank call rates. Specifically, the average call rate for
January 2010 was 2.31 per cent, down from 2.89 per cent at end-December 2009 and
5.25 per cent in November.
The secured open buy-back (OBB) rate for January 2010 was 2.30 per cent down
from 2.64 per cent at end-December 2009 and 4.53 per cent in November. As at
February 25, 2010, the interbank call and OBB rates were 2.21 and 2.07 per cent,
respectively. Thus, the rates appear to be converging, reflecting a restoration of
confidence in the money market and favorable liquidity position in the banking
system. However, this liquidity position of banks against the backdrop of declining
private sector credit implies that the banks are reluctant to lend to the real economy.
The focus of policy measures would be to ensure the flow of credit to the real
economy by supporting targeted lending programmes. In this regard, the Committee
maintained its earlier position that despite falling interbank rates and growing
banking system liquidity, the retail lending rates of deposit money banks (DMBs)
were still very high. This is despite the marginal decline in the average maximum
lending rate to 23.18 per cent in January 2010 from 23.45 and 23.1 per cent in
December and November, 2009, respectively.
The average prime lending rate also fell to 18.38 per cent in January 2010 from 19.03
and 18.93 per cent in December and November 2009, respectively. The Committee

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reaffirmed that the reduction of structural and institutional impediments, DMBs risk
perception of borrowers, as well as use of shared infrastructure by banks and the
development of alternative funding sources for firms, could moderate the high
lending rates. The Committee welcomed the efforts made thus far, on these issues,
particularly the request to accord liquidity status to State Government bonds, the
proposal for tax waivers on fixed income securities, the proposed national credit
guarantee scheme for small and medium-scale enterprises, and on-lending
programmes through the Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), such as the Bank
of Industry. It urged their intensification for eventual actualization. The Nigerian
capital market is showing some signs of recovery compared to the last quarter of
2009. The All-Share Index (ASI), which was 20,827.17 at end-December 2009, rose
by 10.36 per cent to 22,985.00 on 25th February, 2010. Market Capitalization (MC)
also rose by 11.4 per cent, from N4.98 trillion at end-December 2009 to N5.54
trillion on 25th February, 2010. The NSE has attributed the improved performance of
the stock market to share price increases in the Banking, Food and Beverages, and
Oil and Gas sectors. However, the major stock markets around the world showed
deteriorating performance over the period, following calls for increased regulation
in the US and Europe, deteriorating government finances in Europe and poor
unemployment reports in some advanced economies.
External Sector Developments
The foreign exchange market remained relatively stable in the first two months of
2010. In January 2010, the WDAS average exchange rate stood at N149.78 per US
dollar, the same rate recorded in December 2009. As at 24th February 2010, the
WDAS exchange rate had depreciated to N150.10 per US dollar. The interbank
market rate averaged N150.33/US$ in January, 2010. Thus, the spread between the
WDAS and interbank market rates remains insignificant. The convergence reflected
the continued confidence and clarity in expectation, engendered by the exchange rate
stability. Policy will continue to focus on avoiding volatility in exchange rates and
strengthening confidence in the market. External reserves stood at US$41.54 billion
on 24th February 2010, down by US$0.51 billion or 1.21 per cent from the level of
US$42.05 billion recorded in the preceding month.

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Overall, the net outflow of foreign exchange which moderated significantly from
US$931.93 million to US$138.37 million in the third and fourth quarters of 2009
turned to a net inflow of US$0.10 billion in January 2010. The Committee was
satisfied with this development, noting that the level of reserves remained robust and
buoyant enough to support the country's external transactions in the near-term. It,
however, believes that if the rising price of crude oil in the international market in
recent months is sustained, coupled with improvement in output with peace in the
Niger Delta, there is likely to be an improvement in the level of foreign exchange
reserves.
The Committee's considerations
The Committee noted the potential for inflationary pressure in the near-to medium
term, but observed that recent experience shows that inflation has been driven
largely by structural factors particularly the bottleneck experienced in the supply of
petroleum products in the wake of the announcement of the full deregulation of the
downstream petroleum industry. It noted that growth in both monetary and credit
aggregates has remained weak since the beginning of 2009, and therefore any
attempt at this time to tighten monetary policy will exacerbate the problem and
further constrain credit availability to the real economy.
The MPC further stressed the need to unlock the credit market. Members also
observed that there is sufficient liquidity in the money market as suggested by the
low interbank interest rates, but that the perception of credit risk on the part of the
DMBs remained a major constraint to their ability to lend to the real sector of the
economy. In this regard, the Committee felt that a broader macroeconomic policy
framework will be needed to unlock the credit market. In this context, the MPC
recognised the need to encourage the DMBs to channel the excess funds deposited
with the CBN under the standing deposit facility to the real sector. It therefore
considered the review of the setting of the standing facility corridor as imperative, to
encourage banks to lend to the productive sectors of the economy. As part of the
efforts to bring lending rates down, provide alternative sources of long-term funds to
finance development projects and deepen the capital market in line with the CBN's
developmental mandate, the MPC, deliberated on the possibility of granting

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liquidity status to bonds issued by state governments that meet certain eligibility
criteria, including the Investment and Securities Act 2007 (ISA) and DMO
requirements.
Decisions
In the light of the above, the Committee unanimously took the following decisions:
1.
MPR remains unchanged at 6.0 per cent;
2.
Standing Lending Facility interest rate remains unchanged at 8.00 per cent,
while the Standing Deposit Facility rate is lowered from 2.0 per cent to 1.0
per cent;
3.
Granted liquidity status to bonds issued by state governments, subject to their
meeting the specified eligibility criteria. Detailed guidelines will be issued in
due course, principally related to meeting strict standards of fiscal
responsibility; and
4.
To continue with the quantitative easing policy by providing N500 billion
facility for investment in debentures issued by the Bank of Industry (BOI) in
accordance with Section 31 of the CBN Act 2007, for investment in
emergency power projects dedicated to industrial clusters.
The funds are to be channeled through the Bank of Industry for on-lending to the
DMBs at a maximum interest rate of 1.0 per cent for disbursement of loans with a
tenor of 10 15 years at concessionary interest rate of not more than 7.0 per cent. The
Committee also approved in principle the extension of this facility to DMBs for the
purpose of refinancing/ restructuring existing portfolios to manufacturers. However,
the final approval for this will come after the consideration of the report of a technical
committee to be set up to work out the modalities for implementation within one
month. Membership of the committee comprises the CBN, the Bankers' Committee
Sub-committee on Economic Development, Bank of Industry, Manufacturers
Association of Nigeria (MAN), and National Association of Small and Medium
Enterprises (NASME).

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The African Finance Corporation (AFC) will serve as technical adviser on the power
project. In the case of the power projects, the following projects of the Federal
Government will be covered under this facility subject to their being restructured
into commercially viable projects on which banks are willing to take credit risks:
Lagos (500 MW); Kano (250 MW); Onitsha/Nnewi (200 MW); Port Harcourt/Aba
(200MW); Kaduna (225 MW); Funtua/Gusua/MFashi/Zaria (200 MW); Lokoja
(200MW); and Maiduguri/Gombe/Bauchi (200 MW). Other power projects
currently being financed by banks may also be refinanced from the fund. However,
banks will be required to secure the funds drawn with eligible securities. In addition,
real sector projects certified bankable that emanate from the State Governors'
engagement with the Bankers' Committee in line with the outcome of the Enugu
Retreat will be accommodated under the facility.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
Abuja
March 2, 2010

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Appendix 10
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 69, 15 APRIL 2010
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held a special meeting on April 15, 2010 to,
among other things, consider the modalities for the injection of N500 billion into the
real economy in continuation of the current quantitative easing policy. It also
reviewed domestic economic conditions during the first quarter of 2010 against the
backdrop of the global economic and financial developments with a view to guiding
monetary and financial sector policies for the rest of 2010.
The MPC noted the persisting tight credit conditions and the continuing underperformance of key monetary aggregates which had informed its earlier decision to
embark on a quantitative easing policy to be implemented through investment in
debentures to be issued by the Bank of Industry (BOI). The Committee commended
the co-operation of key stakeholders in preparing the modalities for the injection of
the N500 billion financing facility for the emergency power projects dedicated to
industrial clusters and restructuring/refinancing of DMBs' exposures to the
manufacturing sector and SMEs.
The MPC stressed the need for even greater co-operation in fast-tracking on-going
reform efforts in the banking sector to ensure the smooth flow of credit to the real
sector of the economy as well as energizing reforms in the power and other economic
infrastructure sectors, to promote private sector/foreign investment and
employment-generating growth. In this regard, the MPC welcomes the attention to
the power sector by the Federal Government. The Committee emphasized that while
economic reforms and human capital development remain key ingredients for
economic growth; the Bank is mindful of the supportive role that macroeconomic
and financial stability plays in achieving sustainable growth and, will continue to
focus attention on these two areas.
On the global scene, the Committee noted that the rebound in global economic
activity which started in the second half of 2009 has been sustained. The rebound was

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driven largely by the fiscal policy stimuli undertaken in both the developed and
emerging market economies in response to the global financial crisis and the ensuing
economic slowdown.
In the wake of the financial and economic crises, monetary policy was considerably
eased with interest rates down to record levels in most advanced and emerging
markets, and central bank balance sheets expanded considerably to accommodate
the stimulus packages. The key concerns, however, remain the speed and
sustainability of the recovery process which is progressing at varying degrees across
the different regions.
The recovery in the advanced economies is still weak with real output projected to
remain below its pre-crisis level until late 2011. However, growth in the emerging
and developing economies is expected to recover faster given their stronger initial
economic conditions and swift policy responses.
The MPC also noted the continuing rebound in commodity prices, particularly crude
oil prices, which is helping to support growth in commodity producing regions,
including Nigeria. However, the inflation risk of the rebound in energy prices
appears to be mitigated by the subsisting low levels of capacity utilization, weak
private demand and well-anchored inflation expectations.
The MPC further observed that while financial markets have recovered remarkably
faster than expected, financing conditions, especially for Businesses and firms, were
likely to remain weak in the near-term as financial institutions continue to maintain a
cautious approach to credit extension. It noted the relative stability prevailing in
most segments of the market and the need for policies to ensure their sustenance.
Key Domestic Macroeconomic and Financial Developments
Output and Prices
The robust output growth recorded in 2009 continued in 2010. Provisional data from
the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that real Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) grew by 6.68 per cent in the first quarter of 2010, down from 7.44 per cent in
the fourth quarter of 2009, but up from the 4.50 per cent recorded in the first quarter

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of 2009. The growth was largely driven by the non-oil sector. Overall GDP growth
for 2010 was projected at 7.53 per cent which is higher than the revised estimate of
6.66 per cent recorded in 2009. Quarterly GDP growth rates of 7.24, 7.36 and 8.51
per cent was projected for the second, third and fourth quarters of 2010, respectively.
The non-oil sector was expected to remain the main driver of overall economic
growth, with agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, and services contributing 2.01
per cent, 2.10 per cent and 2.09 per cent, respectively. The Committee noted that the
impressive growth forecasts reflected prospects for moderate rainfall in 2010, which
would boost crop production and the relative peace in the Niger-Delta, which could
enhance crude oil and natural gas production.
The year-on-year headline inflation rose from 12.0 per cent in the last quarter of 2009
to stabilize at 12.3 per cent in January and February 2010. Similarly, core inflation
stabilized at 10.1 per cent in January and February 2010, up from 9.7 per cent
recorded in the last quarter of 2009. The stability in the domestic price level could be
attributed to a number of factors, namely, the continuing monetary contraction, the
delay in the passage of the 2010 federal budget and the improvement in the supply of
petroleum products, amongst others. Notwithstanding these developments, the
Committee restated its earlier position that the threat of inflationary pressure in the
near-to-medium term remains real, but that it will continue to monitor price
developments in the months ahead with a view to creating an enabling environment
for sustainable growth and employment.
Monetary, Credit and Financial Market Developments
Provisional data showed that relative to end-December 2009, broad money (M2)
declined by 0.23 per cent at end-February 2010, which, when annualized represented
a decline of 1.38 per cent, compared to the indicative growth target of 29.26 per cent
for 2010 and the annualized M2 decline of 5.16 per cent in the corresponding
February of 2009. The reserve money (RM), which stood at N1,668.50 billion at endDecember 2009, declined to N1,574.33 billion and N 1,636.60 billion in January and
February 2010, respectively, but rose to N 1, 782.21 billion in March 2010. As at
April 8, 2010, the RM level of N1, 710.0 billion was just below the provisional 2010

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second quarter indicative benchmark of N1, 872.80 billion by N162.76 billion or
8.69 per cent.
Available data showed that in February 2010, aggregate domestic credit (net) grew
by 2.66 per cent over the December 2009 level, and by 15.96 per cent when
annualized, which is higher than the annualized decline of 55.6 per cent recorded in
the corresponding period of 2009, but below the 2010 indicative target of 55.54 per
cent. Credit to government (net), which grew by 17.84 per cent, was the major
contributor to the growth in aggregate credit (net) in February 2010, as credit to the
private sector declined, by 1.97 per cent. The annualized growth rate of credit to the
private sector as at February 2010, was -11.82 per cent, as against the provisional
benchmark of 31.54 per cent for 2010. The substantial growth of credit to
government (net) reflects the risk aversion of the DMBs to private sector credit and
suggests the possible crowding out of private sector credit.
During the first quarter of 2010, the downward slide in interest rates in the domestic
money market, which began in July 2009, following the Bank's decision to guarantee
interbank transactions, continued. The low rates provide ample evidence of the
surplus funds in the banking system that resulted from the huge volume of funds
injected through fiscal operations.
The weighted average interbank call rate, which was 2.89 per cent as at endDecember 2009, declined to 2.48, 2.17, and 1.50 per cent in January, February, and
March, 2010, respectively. Similarly, the securitized open buy-back (OBB) rate,
which was 2.64 per cent at end-December 2009, declined to 2.46, 2.20, and 1.31 per
cent in January, February, and March 2010, respectively, compared with the
monetary policy rate (MPR) of 6.00 per cent and Standing Deposit Facility rate of 1.0
per cent. Notwithstanding the falling interbank rates, the DMBs' interest rates
structure failed to reflect this trend as the high retail lending rates persisted. The
average maximum lending rate increased to 23.32 per cent in February, 2010 from
23.18 per cent in the preceding month compared with 23.45 and 23.1 per cent in
December and November 2009, respectively. The average prime lending rate, on the

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other hand, declined marginally to 18.28 per cent in February 2010 from 18.38 per
cent in January. It was 19.03 and 18.93 per cent, respectively, in December and
November, 2009.
The weighted average savings rate rose to 3.38 per cent in February 2010 from 3.33,
3.36 and 3.35 per cent in January 2010, December and November 2009, respectively.
The consolidated deposit rate, which remained unchanged at 6.13 per cent in
December 2009 and January 2010 dropped to 5.53 per cent in February 2010. Thus,
the spread between the average maximum lending rate and the average consolidated
deposit rate widened to 17.79 per cent in February 2010 from 17.05 per cent in
January 2010 and 17.34 per cent in December, 2009. The Committee noted that the
key policy challenges remain the negative growth in credit to the private sector, high
lending rates and widening interest rate spread despite the declining interbank rates
and relative surplus liquidity in the banking system compared to the last quarter of
2009, the Nigerian capital market is showing signs of recovery. The All-Share Index
(ASI) increased by 30.7 per cent from 20,827.17 as at end-December 2009 to
27,216.03 on 7th April, 2010. Market Capitalization (MC) also increased, by 32.1
per cent, from N4.98 trillion at end-December 2009 to N6.58 trillion on 7th April
2010. The number of deals, volume and value of shares traded increased by 115.6,
134.6 and 326.1 per cent, respectively, during the review period. The increase in ASI
and MC was partly due to share price increases in the Banking, Food & Beverage and
Oil/Gas sectors.
The Committee welcomed the improvements in the stock market, and noted further
prospects for continuing recovery with the passage of the Asset Management
Corporation Bill. It, however, emphasized that the recovery of the capital market
does not necessarily translate to economic recovery as the reforms initiated in the
other sectors of the economy needed to be carried through in order to grow the
economy. The Committee, therefore, called for the political will and commitment to
see these reforms through.

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External Sector Developments
The foreign exchange market remained relatively stable in the first three months of
2010. At the WDAS, the review period opened with an exchange rate of
N149.08/US$1 (1% commission inclusive) and closed at N149.78/US$1, with an
average closing rate of N149.94/US$1 for the quarter. When compared with the
average closing rate of N146.87/US$1 recorded during the first quarter of 2009, this
represented a depreciation of N3.07 (2.05 per cent). The average exchange rate
depreciated marginally at the interbank market from N150.35/$ in the fourth quarter
of 2009 to N150.43/$ in the first quarter of 2010. In the same vein, the premium
between the WDAS average exchange rate and the interbank market rate remained
low at N1.98/$ (1.31%) in the first quarter of 2010, while that between the WDAS
average exchange rate and the BDCs rate narrowed from N4.58 (3.0%) in the fourth
quarter of 2009 to N4.02 (2.63%) in the first quarter of 2010.
The Committee observed that the naira exchange rate has remained stable in all
segments of the market during the first quarter and believes that if the current
exchange rate policy stance of liberalizing the foreign exchange market, with a view
to enhancing foreign exchange supply, remains in place, the relative stability in the
foreign exchange market and the exchange rate, is likely to be sustained in the near
term. The Committee will, however, continue to monitor developments in the market
to ensure that measures are taken to eliminate speculative demand.
The gross external reserves stood at US$40.68 billion as at 31st March, 2010,
representing a decrease of US$0.71 billion or 1.71 per cent relative to the level of
US$41.39 billion as at 28th February 2010. Although the Committee noted that the
external reserves were sufficient to finance 17 months of imports, which were well
above the internationally recommended 3-months import cover, it believed that with
the rising price of crude oil in the international market in recent months, coupled with
the improvement in output with peace in the Niger Delta, there is likely to be an
improvement in the level of foreign exchange reserves in the near term.

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The Committee's Considerations
The principal concerns of policy at this point in time were identified as the following:
1.
Ensuring that the quantitative easing adopted by the Committee actually
translate to injection of credit to the private sector players in the real
economy;
2.
Establishing some correspondence between the monetary policy rate (MPR)
and prime and maximum lending rates of DMBs in order to establish a proper
transmission channel from policy rate movements to market interest rates;
and
3.
Maintaining macroeconomic stability and stimulating growth while
remaining vigilant with respect to inflation and capital market asset price
bubbles.
In considering the modalities for the restructuring/refinancing programme, the
Committee was concerned about the need for a proper definition of SMEs that will
not exclude many potential beneficiaries thereby limiting the effectiveness/impact of
the intervention. In this regard, the MPC noted the existence of several definitions of
SMEs, but felt that by providing a limit to the size of the loan per borrower from an
institution more potential borrowers would be covered.
The Committee also reviewed developments in the economy during the first quarter
of 2010. The MPC noted with concern the persisting high lending rates despite the
current low interbank and deposit rates, and as a consequence the wide spread
between lending and deposit rates. This, the Committee attributed to inefficiency in
cost management and unrealistic profit expectations and targets. It believed that
promoting transparency in the pricing and setting of rates by DMBs could help to
drive down lending rates.
In this regard, DMBs would be required to regularly publish and submit their riskbased interest rate pricing model to the CBN. In addition, the banks would be
required to provide a statement showing the relationship between the MPR and their
prime and maximum lending rates.

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For the avoidance of doubt, the MPC will not fix lending and deposit rates by fiat.
However, every bank will be required to disclose the maximum spread it charges
above the MPR to its prime customers and the risk premium it charges between
prime and maximum lending rates. The pricing model would also disclose the basis
for the spread and principal components covered. The articulation of the pricing
model in this mode and its disclosure to the general public will serve two purposes.
First, by providing visibility on relative efficiency of financial institutions, banks
will be encouraged to seek profitability by driving down costs and charging
competitive rates rather than charging excessive rates of interest. Second, by
explicitly stating prime and maximum lending rates as a fixed spread over MPR, the
policy rate becomes an effective tool for driving lending rates up or down as policy
stance dictates.
The MPC noted with satisfaction the existing macroeconomic conditions. In this
regard, the Committee restated its commitment to monitoring developments in the
economy and stands ready to take appropriate action when the need arises.
Decisions
In the light of the above, the MPC
1.
Approved the technical committee's recommendations with respect to
modalities for the Refinancing/Restructuring of DMBs facilities to
manufacturers with N1Billion as the maximum loan size a bank may
refinance for a single borrower. The guidelines will be released shortly.
2.
Directed that banks be required to submit their Risk-based Interest Rate
Pricing Model to the Central Bank of Nigeria on a monthly basis which will
be published. A circular to this effect will be issued shortly. Loan pricing,
henceforth be stated as fixed spread above MPR, and shall be adjusted along
with MPR movements.
3.
Retained the MPR at 6 per cent and existing asymmetric corridor around the
MPR at +2.0 per cent and -5.0 per cent.

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4.
Endorsed complementary policies being put in place by the Board of the
CBN, especially the revised guidelines for loan loss provisioning for
preferred sectors, the N200 billion guarantee for real sector credit and
regulations governing margin lending.
5.
Noted with satisfaction the progress of the AMCON Bill through the
National Legislature and urged the CBN to continue in its effort towards
expedited passage of the Bill and speedy implementation.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
Abuja
April 15, 2010

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Appendix 11
MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
TH
TH
COMMUNIQUE NO. 70, 10 AND 11 MAY 2010
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met on 10th and 11th May, 2010 to review
domestic economic conditions during the first four months of 2010 and the
challenges facing the Nigerian economy against the backdrop of developments in the
international economic and financial environments in order to reassess the course for
monetary policy for the remainder of the year.
On the global scene, the Committee noted that the recovery in global economic
activity, which started in the second half of 2009, has evolved better than expected
although large fiscal deficits continue to pose a threat.
The recovery, which was driven largely by the unprecedented fiscal and monetary
policy stimuli undertaken in both the developed and emerging market economies in
response to the global economic slowdown, was progressing at varying degrees
across the different regions. In the advanced economies, recovery is progressing.
Among emerging and developing economies, Asia is taking the lead although
growth is solidifying in key Latin American countries. Sub-Saharan African
countries have thus far, weathered the global crisis well, and their recoveries are
expected to be stronger than in previous global downturns.
Across the globe, real and financial activities have been mutually supportive in their
recovery. Although the money markets have stabilized, and corporate bond and
equity markets have rebounded, access to credit remained difficult for some sectors,
especially small firms and households that lack access to the capital markets.
Although, the tightening of bank lending standards and the credit crisis appear to be
bottoming out, the resumption of credit growth in many emerging and developing
countries has been weak. In the advanced economies, eroded bank capital is likely to
remain a constraint on growth as banks continue to repair their balance sheets. In a
few advanced economies, particularly the Euro area, rising public sector deficits and
debts accumulated in the wake of the crises as part of measures to stimulate growth,

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have heightened sovereign risk premia, thereby posing additional risks to the
recovery process.
The MPC observed that the domestic financial markets have recovered remarkably
faster than expected, though still fragile, and urged greater efforts in accelerating the
reforms in the different segments of the financial system to promote financial sector
stability which is critical to economic growth. In particular, deep and liquid capital
markets and strong and effective insurance companies, pension funds and other
institutional investors are critical for establishing the balance required for the
attainment of financial system stability. While noting that financial market
inefficiencies and supervisory and regulatory failures were at the root of the current
crisis, it welcomed the relative stability that has been achieved in most segments of
the market in response to the various measures taken by the regulatory authorities
and emphasized the need for its sustenance.
The MPC also noted the continuing rebound in commodity prices, particularly crude
oil prices, which is helping to support growth in commodity producing regions,
including Nigeria. However, the inflation risk of the rebound in energy prices
appears to be mitigated by the subsisting low levels of capacity utilization, weak
private demand and well-anchored inflation expectations.
Key Domestic Macroeconomic and Financial Developments
Output and Prices
The Committee observed that the robust output growth recorded in 2009 continued
in 2010. Provisional data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that
real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.68 per cent in the first quarter of 2010,
down from 7.44 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009, but up from the 4.50 per cent
recorded in the first quarter of 2009. NBS also projected that the GDP is expected to
grow by 7.24, 7.36 and 8.51 per cent in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2010,
respectively. Overall GDP growth for 2010 was projected at 7.53 per cent which is
higher than the revised estimate of 6.66 per cent recorded in 2009.
The non-oil sector is expected to remain the main driver of overall growth, with

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agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, and services contributing 2.61, 2.09 and 2.14
per cent, respectively. The Committee noted that the impressive growth forecasts
reflect prospects for moderate rainfall in 2010, which is expected to support the
production of major crops across the country, and the sustained peace in the NigerDelta, which would boost crude oil and natural gas production. The MPC, however,
noted that at a mere 4 per cent share of GDP, the manufacturing sector needed
revamping to enhance its role in boosting growth and employment generation. In this
context, it called for appropriate sector-specific policies to drive manufacturing
growth. The year-on-year headline inflation rose from 12.0 per cent in the last
quarter of 2009 to stabilize at 12.3 per cent in January and February 2010 and
declined to 11.8 per cent in March 2010. Similarly, core inflation rose from 9.7 per
cent in the last quarter of 2009 to stabilize at 10.1 per cent in January and February
2010, before declining to 9.5 per cent in March 2010.
The downward trend in the domestic price level could be attributed to a number of
factors, including the continuing underperformance of monetary aggregates, with
the associated constrained demand, availability of food stuff, and improvement in
the supply of petroleum products, amongst others. Notwithstanding these
developments, the Committee restated its earlier position that the threat of
inflationary pressure in the near-to-medium term remains real given the
expansionary stance of the 2010 Federal Government budget and the anticipated
increase in spending usually associated with the run-up to election across the
country. In this regard, the MPC confirmed that it will continue to monitor price
developments in the months ahead with a view to ensuring that the downside risk of
inflation to growth is minimized.
Monetary, Credit and Financial Market Developments:
Provisional data showed that relative to end-December 2009, broad money (M2)
grew by 2.3 per cent at end-March 2010, which, when annualized represents a
growth of 9.02 per cent, compared to the indicative growth target of 29.26 per cent
for 2010. Reserve money (RM), which stood at N1,668.50 billion at end-December
2009, declined to N1,574.33 billion and N 1,636.60 billion in January and February
2010, respectively, but rose to N1, 782.21 billion in March 2010. As at April 27,

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2010, the RM level of N1, 497.1 billion was below the provisional 2010 second
quarter indicative benchmark of N1, 872.80 billion by N375.52 billion or 20.06 per
cent.
Available data shows that in March 2010, aggregate domestic credit (net) grew by
6.1 per cent over the December 2009 level, and by 24.5 per cent when annualized,
which is far below the 2010 indicative target of 55.54 per cent. Credit to government
(net), which grew by 28.4 per cent (or 113.6 per cent on annualized basis), was the
major contributor to the growth in aggregate credit (net) in March 2010, as credit to
the private sector declined, by 1.7 per cent ( or 6.8 per cent on annualized basis). The
annualized growth rate of credit to the private sector of -6.8 per cent was far below
the provisional growth benchmark of 31.54 per cent for 2010. The substantial growth
of credit to government (net) reflects the risk aversion of the DMBs to lending to
non-government borrowers, implying the crowding out of private sector credit.
During the first four months of 2010, the downward trend in interest rates in the
domestic money market, which began in July 2009, following the Bank's decision to
guarantee interbank transactions, continued. The low rates provide ample evidence
of sufficient liquidity and restored confidence in the money market. The weighted
average interbank call rate, which was 2.89 per cent as at end-December 2009,
declined to 2.48, 2.17, and 1.50 per cent in January, February and March 2010,
respectively. The downward trend continued to 1.27 per cent on April 30, 2010.
Similarly, the securitized open-buy-back (OBB) rate, which was 2.64 per cent at endDecember 2009, declined to 2.46, 2.20, and 1.31 per cent in January, February and
March 2010, respectively. The rate further declined to 1.11 per cent on April 30,
2010, compared with the monetary policy rate (MPR) of 6.00 per cent and Standing
Deposit Facility rate of 1.0 per cent.
The falling interbank rates appear to reflect marginally on the DMBs' lending rates.
The retail lending rates have started declining albeit by far lower magnitudes than the
decline in interbank rates. The average maximum lending rate dropped to 22.88 per
cent in March 2010 from 23.32 and 23.18 per cent in February and January 2010,

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respectively. The rate was 23.45 per cent in December 2009. Also, the average prime
lending rate dropped to 18.06 per cent in March 2010 from 18.28 and 18.38 per cent
in February and January 2010, respectively. In December 2009 the rate was 19.03 per
cent. Similarly, the weighted average savings rate dropped to 3.20 per cent in March
2010, from 3.33 per cent in January 2010 and 3.38 per cent in February. As at endDecember 2009, the average savings rate stood at 3.36 per cent. The consolidated
deposit rates declined to 3.88 per cent in March 2010, down from 5.44 per cent in
February and 6.13 per cent in January 2010. As at end-December 2009, the
consolidated rate was 6.13 per cent. Despite the decline in deposit rates, the spread
between the average maximum lending rate and the consolidated deposit rate
widened to 18.99 percentage points in March 2010, up from 17.88, 17.05 and 17.34
percentage points in February and January, 2010, and December 2009, respectively.
The Committee noted that the key policy challenges remain the negative growth in
credit to the private sector, and subsisting high lending rates in the face of declining
interbank rates and relative liquidity surfeit in the banking system compared to the
last quarter of 2009, the Nigerian capital market is recovering. The All-Share Index
(ASI) increased by 27.0 per cent from 20,827.17 as at end-December 2009 to
26,453.20 on 30th April, 2010. Market Capitalization (MC) also increased, by 28.3
per cent, from N4.98 trillion at end-December 2009 to N6.39 trillion over the same
period. The number of deals, volume and value of shares traded increased by 58.1,
87.7 and 216.0 per cent, respectively, during the review period. The increase in ASI
and MC was partly due to share price increases in the Banking, Food & Beverage and
Oil/Gas sectors.
The Committee welcomed the continuing improvement in the stock market and
noted the potentials for further recovery with the passage of the Asset Management
Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Bill. It, however, emphasized that the recovery of
the capital market does not necessarily translate to economic recovery as the reforms
initiated in other sectors of the economy needed to be carried through to complement
financial sector reforms in order to grow the economy. The Committee would,
however, continue to monitor the recovery of the capital market to ensure that a
bubble is not once again being formed.

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External Sector Developments
The foreign exchange market remained relatively stable in the first four months of
2010. At the wDAS, the review period opened with an exchange rate of
N149.08/US$1 and closed at N150.10/US$1, with an average closing rate of
N149.92/US$1 for the period. When compared with the average closing rate of
N147.36/US$1 recorded in April 2009, this represented a depreciation of N2.56
(0.017 per cent). The average exchange rate depreciated at the interbank market from
N150.35/US$ in the fourth quarter of 2009 to N150.80/US$ in April 2010. The
premium between the average wDAS closing rate of N149.94/US$1 and the average
selling rate of N150.80/US$1 at the interbank foreign exchange market widened to
N0.86/US$1 (0.57 per cent), from N0.51/US$1 (0.35 per cent) recorded in the first
quarter of 2009, while that between the wDAS average exchange rate and the BDCs
rate narrowed to N2.53/US$1 (1.69 per cent), from N13.61/US$1 (9.27 per cent) in
the first four months of 2009.
The Committee observed that the naira exchange rate has remained stable in all
segments of the market during the review period, reflecting increased confidence in
the Naira and the efficacy of the current exchange rate policy stance of liberalizing
the foreign exchange market which has enhanced foreign exchange supply from
autonomous sources. It believes that the relative stability in the foreign exchange
market is likely to be sustained in the near term. The Committee will, however,
continue to monitor developments in the market to ensure that measures are taken to
eliminate speculative demand and volatility in the market.
The gross external reserves stood at US$40.31 billion as at 30th April, 2010,
representing a marginal decrease of US$0.37 billion or 0.91 per cent relative to the
level of US$40.68 billion as at 31st March 2010. The MPC noted that although the
level of external reserves were sufficient to finance 17 months of current imports,
which is well above the internationally recommended benchmark of 3-months
import cover, it believed that with the rising price of crude oil in the international
market in recent months, coupled with the improvement in output with peace in the

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Niger Delta, there is likely to be an accretion in the level of foreign exchange reserves
in the near term.
The Committee's Considerations
The key concerns for policy in this era of global recovery were identified as follows:
1.
Ensuring that the growing risk of fiscal deficit accumulated in the wake of the
abating global financial and economic crises does not endanger the stability
of financial markets. In most of the affected countries, the huge fiscal deficits
arose not only from increased spending but also from reduced revenues, thus
suggesting the need for greater focus on revenue generation in the finances of
government.
2.
Monitoring imbalances in capital flows across industrial and emerging
markets resulting in different rates of recovery. This is to ensure that inflows
of capital into the country are sustainable and thus avoid formation of asset
price bubbles.
3.
The continuing global credit crunch despite unprecedented measures taken
by central banks to inject liquidity in troubled financial institutions/markets.
This underscores the need for focus on both supply side (monetary) and
demand side (fiscal factors) in unlocking the credit markets.
With regards to the continuing credit crunch, the MPC reemphasized that credit
growth is a function of demand and supply factors. As the Central Bank is working to
improve the supply side through the various reform measures to strengthen the
DMBs' balance sheets, remove toxic assets, and generally repair the banking system
to promote the flow of credit, the demand side would necessarily require critical
reforms in the real sector, particularly power, energy, and key infrastructure to reduce
the cost of doing business and improve investment climate to generate bankable
projects.
The MPC noted with satisfaction that, overall; the Bank has achieved its mandate of

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price and financial stability, as reflected in relatively stable exchange rates, interest
rates and moderating inflation. By the time the AMCON Bill is harmonized and
finally passed by the National Assembly and implemented, the repair of banks'
balance sheets would unlock the flow of credits to the real economy. In this regard,
the MPC enjoins other stakeholders in government to undertake complementary
measures to enable economic agents translate the stable macroeconomic
environment into economic growth and development.
Overall, the Committee decided that there is a need to maintain and extend the focus
on stability and avoid decision that may cause disruption. In view of the inflation
outlook in the short-term, it was felt that the reversal of accommodative monetary
stance at this time would be premature.
The Committee however, noted that in the next quarter monetary expansion may be
driven by increased government spending, the purchase of toxic assets by the
AMCON and recapitalization of distressed banks. These expansions may translate
into the risk of higher inflation, asset price bubbles or pressure on exchange rate and
foreign reserves. The next MPC in July will assess these risks and take appropriate
actions.
Decisions
In the light of the above, the MPC decided as follows:
1.
Leave the MPR unchanged at 6.0 per cent.
2.
Retain the asymmetric corridor of interest rates at 200 basis points above the
MPR and 500 basis points below the MPR for the Standing Lending Facility
and Standing Deposit Facility, respectively.
3.
Extend the CBN guarantee for all interbank transactions and foreign credit
lines as well as pension funds' placements with banks from December 31,
2010 to June 30, 2011. This is to provide ample time for the conclusion of the
banking sector resolution and the publication of audited accounts for the

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period up to December 2010. It is expected that by June 2011 all creditors and
investors will have sufficient information to take an independent view of the
risk of individual counterparties.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria
Abuja
May 12, 2010

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