Central Bank of Nigeria

January's unexpected decline in inflation has intensified pressure on the Central Bank of Nigeria to pivot toward monetary easing, though economists caution that structural vulnerabilities could complicate the policy shift.

Nigeria's headline inflation declined marginally to 15.10% in January 2026 from 15.15% in December, while survey data reveals strong public pressure on the Central Bank to lower lending rates at next week's policy meeting.

Bureau De Change operators report inability to purchase dollars from commercial banks one week after Central Bank of Nigeria announced new foreign exchange guidelines, despite parallel market naira appreciation to N1,385 per dollar.

January's unexpected drop in inflation to 15.10% has ignited speculation about monetary policy easing, though economists remain divided on whether the Central Bank of Nigeria should act swiftly or maintain its cautious stance.

Nigeria's headline inflation declined marginally to 15.10% in January 2026 from 15.15% in December, while survey data reveals strong public support for monetary easing as the Central Bank prepares for its next policy decision.

Nigeria's central bank has introduced stringent penalties under its revised sanctions regime, targeting commercial banks that bypass accredited cheque printing standards in a move to strengthen payment system integrity.