Assessing Market Operators' Perspectives on the New Nigeria Monetary Policy Housecleaning

In an official address at the Eagle Square in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu announced his administration's plans to undertake a comprehensive house cleaning of Nigeria's monetary policy. This move aims to address the concerns raised by the application of the Central Bank of Nigeria's currency swap, particularly regarding the large number of unbanked citizens. Tinubu's speech highlighted the need for a review of the policy and the adoption of a unified exchange rate, while also emphasizing the importance of fiscal measures in supporting the economy. This article explores the significance of monetary policy, fiscal policy, and the potential impact of Tinubu's proposed changes.

Monetary Policy: A Closer Look

Monetary policy encompasses a complex web of actions and measures orchestrated by a nation's central bank. Its purpose is to deftly manage the money supply and exercise control over vital financial variables, including interest rates, exchange rates, and inflation. This intricate framework holds tremendous sway over the trajectory of economic growth, stability, and investment. As the esteemed monetary authority of Nigeria, the Central Bank wields its power to craft and implement monetary policy with the ultimate aim of achieving multifaceted objectives, such as maintaining price stability, bolstering currency value, and nurturing sustainable economic development.

Tinubu's Critique and Proposed Reforms

President Tinubu expressed concerns over the application of the currency swap by the Central Bank of Nigeria, citing its harsh impact on the large population of unbanked Nigerians. He emphasized the need for a thorough review of the policy, signaling his administration's commitment to ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach. During the interim period, Tinubu announced that both currencies would be treated as legal tender, promoting flexibility and minimizing disruption to the economy.

Unified Exchange Rate: Fostering Economic Growth

Highlighting the importance of a unified exchange rate, President Tinubu called upon the Central Bank of Nigeria to work towards its implementation. A unified exchange rate simplifies international trade, reduces currency risk, and promotes a level playing field for businesses. By eliminating arbitrage opportunities, more funds can be channeled into productive investments, such as plant, equipment, and job creation. This, in turn, fuels the real economy and paves the way for sustainable growth.

Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate

Amidst the ongoing economic landscape, the current dollar to naira exchange rate stands at a current N461 to $1 officially, while on the black market it reaches a staggering N745 to $1, adding to the overall sensitivity of the situation.

Fiscal Policy: A Complementary Tool

Beyond the realm of monetary policy, fiscal policy emerges as a formidable force in molding the contours of a nation's economy. It encompasses a plethora of governmental choices concerning taxation, public expenditure, and borrowing. These fiscal measures are meticulously designed to stabilize the economic landscape, effectively manage public finances, and wield influence over aggregate demand. President Tinubu, ever the visionary, emphasized the criticality of lowering interest rates as a catalyst for invigorating investment and consumer spending, thereby propelling the broader economy to loftier heights. By creating an environment of reduced interest rates, the doors to borrowing swing open, triggering a surge of investment in productive sectors and empowering consumers with increased purchasing power. 

Market Expectations and Positive Outlook

Market operators have welcomed President Tinubu's call for a review of current monetary policy. They anticipate that these proposed reforms will bring about positive changes, instilling confidence and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. With an emphasis on inclusivity and a focus on the real economy, Tinubu's administration aims to create an environment conducive to sustainable growth and development.

What Market Operators Have Said

•During an exclusive conversation with Nairametrics, Mr. Mike Eze, the Managing Director of Crane Securities Limited, expressed his belief that President Bola Tinubu possesses a profound understanding of effective political leadership. Eze highlighted a crucial issue Nigerians faced during the previous administration, stating that the Buhari regime prioritized political considerations over economic matters, leading to concerns among the populace.

“We are going to notice a change in the economy, I think the new government is going to hit the ground running from tomorrow.”

“His intention to review monetary policy showed that he is prepared for governance. The country is going to be better off, and my hope in him has been rejuvenated, I have the feeling that he has come to work for Nigeria. “

“There is going to be a shake-up in the Central Bank of Nigeria, apart from currency mathematics, the rest of CBN’s work is helping to shape the economy. In the last eight years, the Nigerian economy has suffered greatly, the previous administration promised us N1 to $1 but we saw a different thing when they came in.”

“We are going to notice a positive change very soon, first in interest rate, the high rate of interest rate has been affecting the economy negatively. “

“If the interest rate is high, it will discourage foreign investors, but if the rate is low, it will attract foreign investors and also impacts positively on our foreign reserve. Those three areas the president highlighted have a cyclical effect on the economy,”  he said.

•Mr. David Adonri, the Executive Vice Chairman of Hicap Securities Limited, commended President Bola Tinubu's commendable objective to review the monetary policy. However, he expressed concern regarding the feasibility of achieving this goal in the immediate term. He says:

“Unfortunately, they are still dwelling in finance, the speech avoided the huge debt overhang that the economy will grapple with. He did not mention it or give any hint of the plan for managing the huge debt.”

“Without an action plan to address the huge debt burden, it will be difficult to bring down interest rates together with inflation.

The issue about ending the multi-exchange regime is the right step in the right direction.”

•According to Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe, the Managing Director of Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited, the long overdue matter of reviewing monetary policy has finally come to the forefront. He pointed out that the previous administration lacked the necessary political will to tackle these issues. He goes on to say:

“When you are subsidizing, it means you are borrowing heavily and to borrow more, you have to increase the interest rate. The removal of fuel subsidies has an indirect link to interest rates and the forex.”

“On the plus side, if the fuel subsidy is removed, it will improve government revenue and the need to borrow will be significantly reduced which will also impact interest rates positively. That will also have a positive effect on foreign exchange.”

President Bola Tinubu's declaration to undertake a thorough house cleaning of monetary policy in Nigeria reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by unbanked citizens. By advocating for a review of the currency swap and the implementation of a unified exchange rate, Tinubu aims to promote a fairer and more accessible financial system. In conjunction with fiscal measures such as reducing interest rates, these reforms have the potential to spur investment, boost consumer spending, and propel the Nigerian economy to higher levels of growth and stability.