The position of the organization was contained in the Executive Board’s conclusion of the Article IV consultation with Nigeria report, which was released, yesterday.

According to the Fund’s statement on the report, “Directors also urged the removal of untargeted fuel subsidies, with compensatory measures for the poor and transparent use of saved resources.

“They stressed the importance of further strengthening social safety nets.

“Directors called for stronger efforts to improve the transparency of COVID-19 emergency spending.”

VAT rise

In this regard, they called for significant domestic revenue mobilization, including by further increasing the value-added tax rate, improving tax compliance, and rationalizing tax incentives.

Exchange rate

“Directors welcomed the removal of the official exchange rate and recommended further measures towards a unified and market-clearing exchange rate to help strengthen Nigeria’s external position, taking advantage of the current favourable conditions.

“ They noted that exchange rate reforms should be accompanied by macroeconomic policies to contain inflation, structural reforms to improve transparency and governance, and clear communications regarding exchange rate policy.


“Directors considered it appropriate to maintain a supportive monetary policy in the near term, with continued vigilance against inflation and balance of payments risks.

“They encouraged the authorities to stand ready to adjust the monetary stance if inflationary pressures increase.

“Directors recommended strengthening the monetary operational framework over the medium term—focusing on the primacy of price stability—and scaling back the central bank’s quasi-fiscal operations.”

Executive Directors commended the Nigerian authorities’ proactive management of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts.

They noted that the outlook remained subject to significant risks, including from the pandemic trajectory, oil price uncertainty, and security challenges.

Looking ahead, they emphasized the need for major reforms in the fiscal, exchange rate, trade, and governance areas to lift long-term, inclusive growth.

Directors also highlighted the urgency of fiscal consolidation to create policy space and reduce debt sustainability risks.

The board noted the Nigerian economy was recovering from a historic downturn benefitting from government policy support, rising oil prices and international financial assistance.

It said, “After registering a historic deficit in 2020, the current account improved in 2021 and gross FX reserves have improved, supported by the IMF’s SDR allocation and Eurobond placements in September 2021.

“Notwithstanding the authorities’ proactive approach to contain COVID-19 infection rates and fatalities and the recent growth improvement, socio-economic conditions remain a challenge. Levels of food insecurity have risen and the poverty rate is estimated to have risen during the pandemic.”

Outlook

The Executive directors said that the outlook faced balanced risks, adding, “On the downside, low vaccination rates expose Nigeria to future pandemic waves and new variants, including the ongoing Omicron variant, while higher debt service to government revenues (through higher US interest rates and/or increased borrowing) pose risks for fiscal sustainability. A worsening of violence and insecurity could also derail the recovery.

“On the upside, the non-oil sector could be stronger, benefitting from its recent growth momentum, supportive credit policies, and higher production from the new Dangote refinery.”

Resilience of Nigerian banks

The Directors “welcomed the resilience of the banking sector and the planned expiration of pandemic-related support measures.”

They agreed that while the newly launched eNaira could help foster financial inclusion and improve the delivery of social assistance, close monitoring of associated risks will be important.

Racoon:
This fuel subsidy or fraudulent subsidy under-recovery the sanctimonious Buhari government called it ought to have been removed since 2012 but they politicised the issue. Now it must go but they are in a dilemma to do so after removing fuel subsidy multiple times. Awon werey gbogbo.

BeeBeeOoh:
As far as we Buharists are concern, there's nothing like fuel subsidy. It's a ploy by PDP and their supporters to destroy Buhari's image.

Sai baba 4+4+4

Penguin2:
By now we would have forgotten about fuel subsidy if not Tinubu and his urchins’ stupidity and malicious unpatriotism in 2012 when they mobilized their fellow social irritants to Ojota to protest against fuel subsidy removal.

Something he knows was imperative but he chose to play selfish politics with it.

Tinubu will never benefit from all of these his many treacherous acts.

iwaeda:

Let us go back to Ojota

BeeBeeOoh:


This is the real time Nigeria need to be saved not that 2012 fake save Nigeria championed by Buhari, Tinubu, Tunde Bakare, Wole Soyinka etc.

iwaeda:


I told people back then, they said Jonathan is paying me

BeeBeeOoh:


My joy in this whole issue is that this Buhari effect of a thing knows nobody, e dey touch both Buharists and non-Buharists anyhow.

So, baba, no too worry yourself make dem no talk sey GEJ still dey pay you.

iwaeda:

That is it now.
Everyone is buying a bag of rice at 5k

BeeBeeOoh:


E costly for your side o, we dey buy N2,800 down here in Onitsha.

Sai baba

Penguin2:
By now we would have forgotten about fuel subsidy if not Tinubu and his urchins’ stupidity and malicious unpatriotism in 2012 when they mobilized their fellow social irritants to Ojota to protest against fuel subsidy removal.

Something he knows was imperative but he chose to play selfish politics with it.

Tinubu will never benefit from all of these his many treacherous acts.