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Nigerian inflation hits near two-year high, IMF strikes again

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By Lukman Otunuga, Senior Research Analyst at FXTM,

Rising inflationary pressures could not have come at a worst possible time for Nigeria. The country is currently grappling with lower oil prices and fears over the coronavirus’s impact on the global economy.

 

Consumer prices in Africa’s largest economy jumped 12.1% in January as food shortages caused by the border closures continued to boost the prices of staples. With inflation rising for the fifth straight month and hitting its highest level since April 2018, the Naira could be one of the first casualties but it does not end here. The growing threat of inflation building momentum amid the ongoing border closer may force the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to deploy unconventional monetary policy tools to support the Nigerian economy. Given how the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its 2020 growth forecast for Nigeria to 2%, from the 2.5% predicted earlier the CBN may need to act fast. While rate cut could stimulate consumption, it may end up quickening inflation which is detrimental for the Nigerian economy. On the other hand, an interest rate hike could contain inflation but this will be at the expense of consumer spending and business investment.

 

In January, the CBN left interest rates unchanged at 13.5%, however the cash reserve ratio was raised to 27.5% from 22.5% for the first time in four years in an effort to boost liquidity in the banking system. Will the CBN adopt a similar strategy when they meet in March? This is a question on the mind of many investors.

Market mood sours after Apple’s profit warning

 

Global stocks were under pressure on Tuesday after Apple warned investors it may not meet revenue targets for this quarter due to the coronavirus outbreak hitting production and demand in China. This stark warning has quelled investor optimism over monetary policy easing from China and other major central banks, shielding the global economy from the detrimental impact of the virus outbreak.

 

More pain in store for the Euro?

 

The Euro wallowed near 3-year lows on Tuesday as concerns over weakening growth in the region and fears around the coronavirus impact on the Eurozone economy haunted investor attraction towards the currency.

 

Appetite for the Euro could deteriorate further if a German business sentiment indicator paints a gloomy picture of the eurozone’s biggest economy. The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment released today will be one of the first indicators showing the potential hit to the European economy from the virus, and is projected to slip to 22.0 in February from 25.6 seen in January. A report that prints below market expectations may weaken the Euro, which has already shed over 2.3% against the Dollar this month.

Focusing on the technical picture, EURUSD is heavily bearish on the daily charts with prices trading around 1.0835 as of writing. Sustained weakness below 1.0879 should encourage a further decline towards the 1.0800 support level. A breakdown below this point could open doors to levels not seen since mid-April 2017 at 1.0730.

 

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Time for Gold to shine towards $1600?

 

Gold entered Tuesday’s trading session with a slight spring in its step after Apple’s sales warning rekindled fears around the coronavirus outbreak and the negative impacts it may have on the global economy.

 

The precious metal has gained over 4.5% year-to-date, and could push higher this quarter amid renewed global growth concerns and speculation around looser monetary policy. Focusing on the technical picture, Gold has the potential for further upside this week if $1579 proves to be reliable support. An intraday breakout above $1589 may trigger a move towards $1600. Alternatively, a breakdown below $1579 could encourage a move back towards $1555.

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General News

Nigeria Police suspends tinted glass permit enforcement over court injunction

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Nigeria Police Force has suspended nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy, hours before its scheduled rollout, in compliance with a Delta State High Court order.

Nigeria Police suspends tinted glass permit enforcement over court injunction

Tinted glass permit

The policy, set for January 2, 2026, aimed to curb vehicle-related crimes but faced legal challenge from a private citizen against the Inspector-General of Police, the force, and Delta Police Commissioner.

An ex parte injunction issued in December 2025 restrained enforcement pending suit determination, prompting the hold announced by spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin on January 1.

Police entered appearance, filed preliminary objections, and sought injunction vacation; hearing adjourned to January 20, 2026.

The Nigerian Bar Association condemned initial police plans as “executive recklessness,” accusing disregard for rule of law, while police insisted no permanent bar existed on statutory duties.

IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated adherence to law while prioritising public safety via intelligence-led strategies during proceedings.


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NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


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T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

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T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


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