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Monetary Policy

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The Conduct of Monetary Policy

The Performance of Monetary Policy In 2002
The Central Bank of Nigeria commenced a medium term monetary policy framework in 2002, with the 2002/2003 monetary policy programme. The primary objectives of monetary policy in 2002 were to achieve price and exchange rate stability by minimizing the problem of time inconsistency and over-reaction due to temporary shocks. In pursuit of these objectives, various policy measures were outlined in the 2002/2003 policy guidelines. Specifically, the measures were designed to maintain internal and external balance as well as contribute to real GDP growth of 5 percent. The main policy thrust of monetary policy were the reduction of excess liquidity in the banking system; maintenance of exchange rate stability; sustenance of market based interest rate regime, promotion of non-inflationary growth; favorable balance of payments position and financial sector stability.

The performance of monetary policy in 2002 was mixed based on prevailing economic conditions. Broad money (M2) increased by 21.5 percent instead of the target of 15.3 percent and narrow money (M1) rose by 15.9 percent compared with the target of 12.4 percent. Similarly, the amount of bank credit to the domestic economy rose by 56.6 percent as against the 57.9 percent target and credit to the private sector remained low, relative to the programme target. However, bank deposits and lending rates declined, mainly due to the downward review of the Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) as well as the impact of moral suasion by the authorities for moderation in bank lending rates. Consequently, the inflation and growth rates were moderate, while the exchange rate was stable and reserves were high enough to finance several months of imports.