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IMF Upholds Projection for Nigeria's Economic Growth at 3.3% for 2024, an Increase From Last Year

© AP Photo / Itsuo InouyeA woman sits in front of an International Monetary Fund logo at the venue of the IMF and World Bank meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012.
A woman sits in front of an International Monetary Fund logo at the venue of the IMF and World Bank meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 10.05.2024
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Last Friday, Fitch, a global rating agency, changed Nigeria's economic outlook from stable to positive, citing the reforms that have been carried out by the government of Bola Tinubu.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) upheld on Thursday its projection of a 3.3% growth rate for the economy of Nigeria in 2024, citing the improved performance of the services and commerce sectors.
It's a slight increase from last year's 2.9%. The forecast for 2025 is 3%.
According to the IMF, the economic forecast for Nigeria remains difficult.
"Over the last decade, Nigeria’s growth has just about kept up with population dynamics. Poverty has increased, and food insecurity is rising," the report read.
The IMF also noted that "with pump prices and tariffs below cost recovery, implicit subsidy costs could increase to 3% of GDP in 2024 from 1% of GDP in 2023."
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Nigeria ruling party speaks during the flag off campaign ahead of the 2023 Presidential election in Jos, Nigeria, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 04.05.2024
Sub-Saharan Africa
Nigeria's Economic Reforms Spark Optimism, Fitch Upgrades Outlook
However, the IMF commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its recent decision to increase interest rates in order to control rapidly rising inflation. The IMF also emphasized the need to use data to guide future interest rate adjustments.

The IMF has also advised the CBN to increase its foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, the organization suggested that the bank establish a clear and fair system for intervening in the foreign exchange market, with the goal of reducing excessive short-term volatility.
Since assuming office around one year ago, President Bola Tinubu has implemented extensive changes. These reforms include reducing expensive petrol and power subsidies, as well as depreciating the naira currency twice in the span of a year to decrease the difference between the official and parallel market exchange rates.
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