Nigeria's central bank unexpectedly raised its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points to 27.25% on Tuesday in a unanimous decision to tame persistent inflationary pressures, bank governor Olayemi Cardoso said.

Nigeria’s central bank raised its key interest rate by 50 basis points today (September 25). Following the increase – the fifth this year – the policy rate stands at 27.25%, a new historical high.

Nigeria’s central bank surprised the market on Tuesday by raising its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points to 27.25%. This is the fifth rate hike of the year and reflects the bank’s ongoing battle against inflationary pressures,

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, has raised the interest rate by 50 basis points to 27.25 percent, the fifth hike since February 2024. CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this during a press briefing at the end of 297th MPC in Abuja on Tuesday.