The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is entering a new era as President Bola Tinubu’s nominees have been screened and approved by the Senate to take charge of the monetary institution. The newly appointed Governor, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, along with four Deputy Governors—Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Mr. Mohammad Sani Datti, Mrs. Nnana Usoro, and Dr. Bala M. Bello—are set to steer the CBN’s operations. These appointments follow the suspension and subsequent resignation of the former Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.
Notably, the former Acting Governor, Mr. Folashodun Shonubi, Mr. Edward Adamu, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora have also resigned from their positions to pave the way for their screening and eventual assumption of office.
The CBN has been under intense scrutiny in recent times, especially during the tenure of the former governor. His brief foray into politics was met with controversy, as he attempted to run for the presidency in 2023. This move garnered criticism from politicians and key financial stakeholders who deemed it inappropriate for a sitting CBN governor to pursue political ambitions. Public outcry ultimately led to his withdrawal from the political race, but the CBN’s subsequent actions were seen through a political lens.
One of the most contentious policies during Mr. Emefiele’s tenure was the Naira redesign, which, though a well-intentioned initiative, was poorly implemented. This policy left Nigerians feeling humiliated, frustrated, and, in some cases, led to the loss of businesses. The public’s displeasure with this action eroded their trust in the CBN, and it also appeared to be a response to opposition from the political class who believed the policy targeted them. As a result, tensions flared, and calls for Mr. Emefiele’s removal grew.
With a new leadership team taking the reins at the CBN, there is hope that the Naira, which has faced considerable challenges, can start to regain its strength. It is also essential for the political class to allow the currency to stabilize and recover. Politicians’ preference for holding foreign currencies, particularly the dollar, as a store of value has weakened the Naira’s position as the nation’s currency.
The task ahead for the new CBN governor, Mr. Cardoso, is undoubtedly challenging, and Nigerians will be looking to his financial expertise to lead the way in revitalizing the domestic currency. However, this endeavor is not the responsibility of Mr. Cardoso and his team alone; it requires collaboration with the fiscal authority to strengthen the economy.
The root of the Naira’s problems lies in Nigeria’s heavy reliance on revenue from oil exports. The opaque nature of the oil sector has been detrimental to the nation, with issues such as crude oil theft and a flawed oil subsidy system contributing to economic challenges. Additionally, the security situation, particularly in the food-producing regions, has hindered agricultural production and economic growth.
The new CBN Governor faces an uphill battle, but it is a critical moment for the Nigerian economy. Collaboration and alignment of purpose between fiscal and monetary authorities are more essential now than ever. Working in harmony rather than at cross purposes will be vital to economic recovery.
Addressing the ongoing issue of banditry is of utmost importance. The prolonged security crisis has inflicted severe damage on the economy, causing foreign investors to flee and local businesses to shut down or relocate. Adequate and consistent power supply is another pressing issue, as many manufacturing firms struggle to operate under challenging conditions, leading to increased costs and a scarcity of foreign exchange to procure materials and machinery.
The challenges ahead are daunting, and the time for political maneuvering is over. It is time for all stakeholders to come together to rescue Nigeria’s economy. Foreign investors will not commit their resources to an unsafe environment. Furthermore, the government must respect the independence of the CBN, allowing it to carry out its mandate of ensuring price and financial stability without undue political interference.
Nigerians have expressed their loss of confidence in the CBN, and these new appointments offer an opportunity to restore faith in the institution.
