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LCCI Calls for Strategic Policy Mix Amid Inflationary Trends

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The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has highlighted the importance of implementing an appropriate policy mix to address the current inflationary pressures in Nigeria. The core inflation rate slightly decreased from 34.19% in June to 33.40% in July 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This marginal reduction, the first since December 2022, reflects a modest easing of price pressures driven by a slowdown in demand and recent monetary and fiscal interventions.

Chinyere Almona, Director-General of LCCI, emphasized that the ongoing inflation scenario presents an opportunity for policymakers to focus on long-term economic challenges, particularly in the agriculture, manufacturing, and export sectors. Almona called for the continuation and expansion of government programs and policies aimed at controlling inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate. These include import duty waivers on essential goods, promoting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles for cheaper transportation, foreign exchange market reforms, direct crude supply to local refineries, and transitioning to renewable energy.

Almona also underscored the need to tackle the root causes of food insecurity by empowering farmers with better access to information, agricultural inputs, mechanization, and modern irrigation methods. She stressed the importance of addressing issues like land use conflicts and the impact of climate change on farmlands to sustain the recent easing in food prices.

The chamber also raised concerns about the recent Central Bank report showing a slight decline in the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) to 49.7% in July, indicating a need for consistent policy measures to boost industry confidence. Almona urged the government to maintain its efforts against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism to ensure sufficient crude supply for local refineries, which is crucial for economic stability.

Beyond addressing food inflation, Almona called for the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development to play a significant role in addressing the rising costs of poultry and fisheries, which have been major contributors to food inflation.

Furthermore, the LCCI encouraged subnational governments to replicate successful federal initiatives at the grassroots level, leveraging increased funds for local development. The chamber also highlighted the need for sustained efforts to improve security, which is crucial for restoring investor confidence and boosting economic growth.

Finally, Almona urged the government to support the productive sectors of the economy and incentivize the production of exportable goods where Nigeria has a comparative advantage, to enhance foreign exchange earnings and stabilize the FX market.

This inflationary trend in Nigeria, if not addressed effectively, could have severe implications for hunger and food security, experts warn.

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CBN expresses commitment to FX Code

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, stating that its operations align with the principles of the code.

 

In a statement signed by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy Mohammad Abdullahi, and Director of the Financial Markets Department Dr. Omolara Duke, the apex bank emphasized that its decision follows a review of the FX Global Code and recognition that the code represents a set of principles widely acknowledged as good practice in the foreign exchange market.

 

The statement confirmed that the CBN acts as a regulator to market participants as defined by the code and is committed to overseeing FX market activities in a manner consistent with its principles.

 

“To this end, the Bank has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of the FX Market, and therefore aligns its roles with the principles of the Code,” the statement added.

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FG launches electronic asset register to boost investment

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The Federal Government has launched a national electronic assets register to provide real-time access to information on government-owned assets, aiming to enhance transparency and attract more investments into the country.

The digital registry was introduced by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during an event that also featured the unveiling of a compendium of FAAC allocations to federal, state, and local governments from 2020 to 2023.

Madein described the initiative as a major milestone in improving public resource management, emphasizing that it is essential for financial sustainability and integrity. She stated that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds and assets.

She noted that giving citizens access to information about public asset management would increase government accountability. “Whether it is infrastructure, equipment, or other public property, every asset must be accounted for,” she said.

The real-time access provided by the digital register is expected to support policy formulation, budgeting, and planning. Madein explained that by having a clear understanding of the government’s assets and their conditions, policymakers can make more informed decisions on resource allocation, investment management, and potential privatisation or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underutilized assets.

She added that the initiative also aligns with international best practices, supporting Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards will help strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s financial statements.

On the compendium of FAAC allocations, Madein stated that it provides a detailed breakdown of revenue distribution to the three tiers of government and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, who officially unveiled the compendium, praised the Accountant General’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. She described the electronic asset register as an important tool that will help determine the real value of Nigeria’s assets and create opportunities for local and foreign investment.

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Tariff increase will push available power generation to 7,000MW — Minister

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Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the proposed electricity tariff increase will help boost Nigeria’s available power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts (MW). This comes after the country recorded its highest-ever available power generation of 6,003MW and a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW last week.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that tariff regularization is crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential and sustaining ongoing improvements in power generation and distribution.

 

“To sustain these improvements, the government would have to pay down the tariff shortfalls of N1.94 trillion for 2024 and address legacy debts of N2 trillion to the GENCOs,” the minister said. He added that continued tariff reforms are necessary to ensure that consumers start paying for the energy they consume.

 

Adelabu reiterated the government’s intention to raise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands B, C, and D as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s liquidity and reduce subsidy obligations. The planned tariff hike is expected to narrow the gap between Band A customers—who currently pay higher rates—and those in lower bands.

 

The minister noted that Nigeria recently set another milestone with a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), attributing these achievements to ongoing reforms and infrastructural upgrades in the sector.

 

“We are thrilled to announce these historic milestones in Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu stated. “These achievements represent a brighter future where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.”

 

According to the minister, recent improvements result from collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in the sector. These include the rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, implementation of innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability and sustainability.

 

While celebrating these milestones, Adelabu called for continued support from state governments, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. He stressed the need for collective action to sustain the momentum and build upon the progress made.

 

With power generation at a record high and tariff reforms on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s electricity supply will see lasting improvements, ensuring stable and reliable power for businesses and households nationwide.

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