E-Financial
CBN Leaves Rates Unchanged as IMF Downgrades Growth
By Lukman Otunuga, Research Analyst at FXTM
In a widely expected move, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has left interest rates unchanged at 14% for January.
Signs of rising inflationary pressures are likely to fuel speculation over the central bank tightening monetary policy, especially as government spending increases ahead of the presidential elections. With rising inflation in Nigeria seen threatening the Naira exchange and economic stability, the CBN may be forced to act quicker than expected. However, with the IMF lowering Nigeria’s growth projection for 2019 to 2% due to a change in oil’s outlook and weakening global expansion, the CBN may now be in a tricky position. While a rate hike will tame inflationary pressures, it may end up impacting growth by discouraging consumer borrowing and businesses to reduce investments. Will Nigeria’s economy expand by 2.28% in 2019 as the CBN predicts or closer to the IMF’s 2% projection?
While it is widely known that Nigeria remains on a mission to diversify away from oil reliance, the nation’s short-medium term outlook hangs on oil’s performance.
Risk sentiment hit by IMF pessimism
A wave of risk aversion swept across financial markets today with global equities retreating as pessimism over global growth sapped risk sentiment.
The International Monetary Fund’s recent gloomy global growth outlook left a bitter aftertaste while Brexit-related uncertainty and a prolonged US government shutdown drained investor confidence. With investors clearly keeping a safe distance from riskier assets amid the general gloom, Asian stocks closed in the red territory while European shares traded modestly lower. The declines witnessed across global stocks continue to highlight how fragile market sentiment remains. With geopolitical risk factors and global growth fears seen stimulating risk aversion, Wall Street is likely to open in a depressed fashion this afternoon.
UK jobs data offers temporary distraction from Brexit
The British Pound edged higher earlier today after encouraging jobs data offered investors a short-term distraction away from the Brexit chaos and political drama in Westminster.
With wage growth in the UK hitting a new 10-year high at 3.4% and employment growing more than expected in the three months to November, this certainly suggests that the labour markets remain resilient despite Brexit. However, this strong jobs data is destined to be overshadowed by Brexit developments.
In the latest episode to the Brexit saga, Theresa May has unveiled her ‘Plan B’ to Parliament. With MP’s describing ‘Plan A’ as ‘Plan B’ in disguise, nothing new has been brought to the table. Will the Prime Minister’s Brexit ‘Plan B’ be able to win the Commons over at the Parliamentary debate and vote on January 29th? This is a question on the mind of many investors. Whatever the outcome of the vote, it will play a role in how or if the UK departs from the European Union.
Commodity spotlight – Gold
Gold bounced back from multi-week lows on Tuesday as concerns over slowing global growth sent investors rushing to safe-haven assets.
Geopolitical risks in the form of Brexit drama, US-China trade developments, and a government shutdown in the United States boosted the metal’s allure with prices trading around $1,283 as of writing. Gold is likely to receive further support from growing speculation over the US Federal Reserve taking a pause on rate hikes this year.
In regards to the technical picture, Gold remains in a bullish channel on the daily charts. There have been consistently higher highs and higher lows with the MACD pointing to the upside. An intraday breakout above $1,286 is likely to open a path towards $1,295 and $1,300, respectively.
Independent revenue remittance by the Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) moved from ₦200 billion in 2013 to over ₦2 trillion in 2024, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) confirmed the updated figure, on Wednesday.
FRC attributed the surge to collaboration between it and House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Speaking at 2025 National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq however notes with concern persistent challenge despite achievements. He cited weak enforcement mechanisms, limited public awareness, and the slow domestication of the FRA at the subnational level as according to him, only 26 out of 36 states have adopted similar laws.
He advocated for the establishment of a National Fiscal Governance Framework to improve coordination and strengthen audit and oversight structures.
Muruako further underscored the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding public debt and borrowing, which remain under the exclusive legislative list. He urged federal and sub-national actors to align their fiscal policies under the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Muruako called on state and local government operators across Nigeria to adopt and fully implement fiscal responsibility laws in line with the federal framework.
The event organized by House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC), brought together key financial stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting transparency and sustainable development in Nigeria’s public financial management.
He lauded administration’s of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to strengthening financial policies aimed at driving economic growth. He emphasized that states and local governments must “key into” the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) to ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with federal financial standards.
Highlighting a critical legislative gap, Muruako noted that the FRA 2007 currently outlines 54 offenses but does not prescribe punishments for offenders. He called for the urgent amendment of the Act to include stronger penalties, thereby enhancing compliance and service delivery.
“The Act must be amended speedily for efficiency and to deliver real value to Nigerians,” he stressed.
He congratulated the PAC, led by Hon. Bamidele Salam, for hosting the conference, which he described as a pivotal step toward strengthening accountability in the public sector.
He advocated for the establishment of a National Fiscal Governance Framework to improve coordination and strengthen audit and oversight structures.
Muruako further underscored the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding public debt and borrowing, which remain under the Exclusive Legislative List. He urged federal and subnational actors to align their fiscal policies under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Reaffirming the FRC’s commitment to advancing transparency and reducing financial leakages, Muruako pledged continued support to the PAC in institutionalizing sound public financial management practices.
He also congratulated the committee for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 2025 West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAPAC) Annual Conference, describing it as a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in regional fiscal governance.
Union Bank of Nigeria has reacted to the recent judgment delivered by Justice Abike Fadipe of the Ikeja High Court involving Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, NICON Investment Limited, Global Fleet, and the bank.
The bank expressed strong disagreement with the ruling and confirmed that its legal team has been directed to file an appeal immediately. It said the court’s position on issues such as debt consolidation, locus standi, and third-party liability contradicts existing legal principles and the bank’s understanding of the facts.
In a statement released by Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank reiterated that the relevant debt obligations had been transferred to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), adding that all actions taken were in line with the law and standard banking procedures.
Union Bank assured stakeholders, customers, and the general public of its continued commitment to ethical practices, legal compliance, and professional conduct. It said it remains dedicated to protecting stakeholder interests and upholding the integrity that has defined its operations for more than a century.
The bank concluded by thanking all stakeholders for their trust and support as it navigates the ongoing legal process.
PalmPay, a leading digital banking platform in Africa has announced the launch of strategic partnerships with top-tier insurance providers to offer accessible, affordable and simplified insurance products directly within the PalmPay app.
This initiative reflects the brand’s continued commitment to deepening financial inclusion and underscores its mission to improve the wellbeing of everyday Nigerians.
With only about 8.9% of Nigerians currently covered by any form of health insurance, the country remains one of the least insured populations in Africa. Barriers such as low awareness, affordability challenges, and trust issues continue to hinder broader adoption of insurance products.
PalmPay’s new insurance offering directly addresses these challenges by simplifying the purchase and management of insurance policies within the app. The PalmPay insurance feature is designed to make essential coverage, from health to device, and life insurance easily accessible at affordable prices, eliminating the traditional complexities often associated with insurance.
“Insurance is often perceived as complex or inaccessible, especially among underserved communities.” said Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay. “Through these partnerships, we aim to break down those barriers by offering simple, reliable and affordable insurance options that are easily accessible within the PalmPay app.”
With over 35 million users across Nigeria, PalmPay continues to evolve as a smart, consumer-first digital banking platform. The integration of insurance services complements its growing suite of offerings, which includes transfers, bill payments, high-interest savings, and debit card services, making PalmPay one of the most comprehensive digital banking platforms in the African market.
“Our goal at PalmPay is to remove barriers and make essential services easily accessible to everyone,” said Mr Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Through these strategic partnerships, we’re expanding our services to be more inclusive and empowering our users with products that will positively impact their lives and finances.”
This rollout marks a significant milestone in PalmPay’s broader strategy to empower users with tools that enhance their daily lives. Building not just a payments app, but a smart and trusted financial partner for millions of Nigerians.
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