The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has maintained the current Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of 27.5 per cent with all policy parameters.
The Governor of CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The apex bank’s MPC held its 301 meeting on July 21st and 22nd, 2025, to review recent economic and financial developments and outlook.
The implications of this action are : One, to sustain efforts in curbing inflation. By keeping the rate high, the CBN aims to reduce demand for goods and services, thereby reducing inflationary pressures.
Secondly, the decision also aims to maintain economic stability by supporting the value of the naira and attracting foreign investment. High interest rates make borrowing more expensive, which can slow down economic growth, but they also attract investors seeking higher returns.
The CBN’s decision to hold rates in this context suggests a cautious approach to monetary policy, prioritizing inflation control and stability over stimulating economic growth.
High interest rates make borrowing more expensive for both consumers and businesses. This can reduce demand for loans and slow down economic activity, but it can also encourage savings and reduce inflation.
The CBN’s recent directive for banks to increase their capital requirements, analysts say seems to be yielding results, with eight banks having met the requirements. This could lead to a more stable banking sector.
Key Considerations:
Retaining the interest rate may boost investor confidence in the naira-denominated assets, given the elevated yields.
The decision supports near-term FX market stability while limiting inflationary risks.
However, high interest rates may slow down economic growth by making borrowing more expensive
The Governor of CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this at the MPC briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The apex bank’s MPC held its 301 meeting on July 21st and 22nd, 2025, to review recent economic and financial developments and outlook.
Consequently, the Committee also retained the asymmetric corridor at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR, leaving the Cash Reserve Ratio at 50 per cent for Deposit Money Banks and a general Liquidity Ratio of 30 per cent.
Cardoso explained that the decision to maintain the current MPR was premised on the need to continue to ensure the ongoing disinflation while vigorously ensuring declining prices.
The CBN boss revealed that as of July 18, the nation’s foreign reserve stood at 40.1 billion, which could provide import cover of nine and a half months.
The governor said the monetary and fiscal authorities would continue to work together to reduce the nation’s inflation rate to a single digit.
Cardoso said the decision was premised on the need to sustain the momentum of this inflation and sufficiently contain price pressures
According to him, maintaining the current policy stance will continue to address the existing and emerging inflationary pressure.
“The MPC will continue to undertake rigorous assessment of economic conditions, price outlook to inform future decisions.
“The MPR acknowledged the decline in headline inflation in June 2025, the third consecutive month of deceleration driven by moderation in energy prices and stability in the foreign exchange market.
“Despite these positive developments, members observe the uptick in month-on-month headline inflation, suggesting the presence of underlying price pressures,” he said.
“The continued global uncertainties associated with the current tariff wars and geopolitical tensions could further exacerbate supply chain disruption and exert pressure on prices of imported items,” he added.
