By Grace Alegba
The Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN) and main economists have projected stronger financial development and decrease inflation in 2026, citing improved macroeconomic fundamentals and reform impacts.
The projection was made at a hybrid roundtable organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria Centre for Monetary Research with B. Adedipe Associates.
The Lagos occasion had the theme ’twelfth Version Nationwide Financial Outlook: Implications for Companies in Nigeria in 2026′.
CBN Deputy Governor, Financial Coverage Directorate, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, stated actual GDP development was projected at 4.49 per cent in 2026.
He added that inflation was anticipated to reasonable to 12.94 per cent, reflecting easing pressures and reform outcomes.
Abdullahi stated the outlook was supported by non-oil sector enlargement, improved crude oil output, rising personal funding and a extra steady macroeconomic surroundings.
He stated Nigeria recorded a stability of funds surplus of about 3.81 billion {dollars} in 2025, reversing deficits from the earlier two years.
Based on him, overseas alternate circumstances would stay broadly steady resulting from FX reforms, increased oil receipts, diaspora remittances and stronger investor confidence.
“Exterior reserves are projected to exceed 50 billion {dollars} in 2026,” he stated, including that inflation would proceed easing.
He attributed the pattern to decrease meals and power pressures and the lagged results of financial tightening.
Abdullahi, represented by Dr Victor Oboh, Director, Financial Coverage, stated the apex financial institution would maintain reforms to strengthen worth stability and exterior sector resilience.
He urged banks to broaden credit score to productive sectors, together with manufacturing, agribusiness and small and medium enterprises.
Keynote Speaker, Prof. Biodun Adedipe, Chief Marketing consultant of B. Adedipe Associates Ltd., stated the economic system was anticipated to carry out higher in 2026 than in 2025.
He described 2026 as a stabilisation 12 months marked by alternate charge stability, declining inflation, rising reserves and robust inventory market efficiency.
Adedipe stated Nigerians have been already feeling reform impacts, noting easing costs of some staple meals.
He referred to as for sustained insurance policies to spice up manufacturing, significantly agriculture, to additional scale back inflation.
Additionally talking, Dr Baba Musa, President of the Nigerian Financial Society, stated Nigeria’s financial fundamentals have been bettering, however outcomes relied on reform execution.
“Efficient financial, fiscal and tax reforms will decide 2026 outcomes,” he stated, urging companies to put money into capability, know-how and markets.
Earlier, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, Chairman, Council of the CIBN, stated the discussion board set the tone for financial coverage dialogue in 2026.
He stated new tax reforms efficient Jan. 1 would broaden the tax base, strengthen public funds and scale back oil dependence, whereas defending small companies and low-income earners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
