The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria has voted to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 percent following the conclusion of its 305th meeting.
The decision was announced on Wednesday in Abuja by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, after deliberations by members of the committee.
According to Cardoso, all 11 members who attended the meeting agreed to maintain the current benchmark interest rate.
“The Committee resolved to retain the Monetary Policy Rate at 26.5 per cent,” Cardoso stated during the briefing.
The latest decision comes after the apex bank earlier reduced the rate by 50 basis points in February 2026, while also maintaining the rate during the November 2025 MPC meeting.
By keeping the MPR and other major monetary policy parameters unchanged, the Central Bank signalled its continued cautious approach toward managing inflation, stabilising prices and maintaining overall macroeconomic balance in the country.
Analysts believe the decision reflects the bank’s attempt to carefully balance inflation control with economic growth, especially amid persistent concerns over rising living costs, exchange rate pressures and broader economic uncertainty.
The Monetary Policy Rate serves as Nigeria’s benchmark interest rate and strongly influences lending rates, borrowing costs, inflation trends and overall economic activity within the financial system.
