Naira slides to N1,359/$ after CBN cuts interest rate to 26.5%

2026-02-26 07:46:48

The naira depreciated to N1,359/$ on Tuesday following the conclusion of the 304th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The currency closed weaker compared to N1,353.5/$ recorded on Monday, reflecting mild pressure in the official foreign exchange market after the policy announcement.

The movement comes as investors digest the implications of the apex bank’s latest monetary policy decision.

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What the data is saying

Foreign exchange market data showed a slight weakening of the naira after the MPC announced a 50 basis points rate cut. The development signals cautious market sentiment despite improving macroeconomic indicators.

The naira closed at N1,359/$ on Tuesday, down from N1,353.5/$ on Monday.
The CBN reduced the Monetary Policy Rate from 27 per cent to 26.5 per cent.
Headline inflation declined for the eleventh consecutive month to 15.1 per cent in January 2026.
Other policy parameters, including the Cash Reserve Ratio and Liquidity Ratio, were left unchanged.

The MPC retained the Cash Reserve Ratio at 45.0 per cent for commercial banks and 16.0 per cent for merchant banks, maintained the Liquidity Ratio at 30.0 per cent, and fixed the Standing Facilities Corridor at +50/-450 basis points around the MPR.

Also, at the meeting, the CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso revealed that Nigeria’s gross external reserves rose to $50.45 billion as of February 16, 2026, marking the highest level in 13 years.

According to Cardoso, the MPC noted the “remarkable performance of Nigeria’s external sector,” which has contributed to greater stability in the foreign exchange market and bolstered investor confidence.

Cardoso maintained that confidence remains central to the foreign exchange framework. “Without market confidence, no matter what you do, you will significantly suboptimise,” he said.

Flashback

The naira’s reaction to the 304th MPC decision contrasts with movements observed after previous meetings. Post-MPC currency performance has varied depending on prevailing market conditions and investor expectations.

After the 303rd MPC meeting, the naira appreciated to N1,441/$.
Ahead of that November meeting, the currency strengthened to N1,452/$ from N1,458/$.
In contrast, following the 302nd MPC meeting, the naira weakened to N1,493.2/$ from N1,491.49/$ prior to the decision.
These mixed reactions may imply shifting supply-demand dynamics and policy expectations.

The differing outcomes highlight how foreign exchange movements are influenced not only by interest rate decisions but also by broader liquidity conditions and market sentiment.

What you should know

The MPC’s decision to cut rates marks a measured shift toward monetary easing after a prolonged period of tightening.

However, the retention of other key policy parameters signals continued caution.

Ahead of the 304th Monetary Policy Committee meeting of CBN, Nairametrics reported that the naira closed at N1,353.5/$ in the official market.

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