“The era of abundant liquidity, chasing returns regardless of risk, is over. Investors now have more choices and less tolerance for uncertainty,” said Mr Cardoso.
“Nigeria needs to continue the work on overall macroeconomic reforms with a careful approach to fiscal issues, contracting of debt and debt management,” the WTO chief stated.
Most economists expect the MPC to leave the MPR, the benchmark interest rate, unchanged at 26.5 per cent when it announces its decision on Tuesday.
The NBS, on Monday, reported that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose slightly to 15.93 per cent in May 2026 from 15.69 per cent in April.
Total pension assets increased from N29.52 trillion in March to N30.94 trillion in April, representing a 4.8 per cent month-on-month growth.
He called for wider adoption of digital payments, stronger fraud protection, and greater financial inclusion.
Nigerian banks accumulated more liquidity in Q1 2026, but lending to businesses saw a major decline despite the CBN’s decision to lower interest rates earlier this year.
The latest decision extends the CBN’s careful policy approach after two consecutive rate cuts since September 2025.
Despite the difficult operating environment, businesses across major sectors maintained a positive outlook for the economy.
The survey further showed that expenditure pressures remain elevated.
