| Nigeria Economy |    1989 VIEWS  |
| Nigeria Economy | |
| 1989 VIEWS | |
 |
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 / 08:40 AM / FDC / Header Image Credit: NBS
As
widely anticipated, headline inflation increased for the second straight month
to 11.61% in October. This represents a 0.37% rise from 11.24% in September and
a 17-month high. Beyond the rising inflation trend, a major cause of concern is
the magnitude of this increase. The spike in inflation can be largely
attributed to supply shortages arising from the closure of the land borders.
Food and imported food inflation rose to 14.09% and 15.94% respectively. All
inflation sub-indices, except for core inflation increased.
Data Breakdown
Monthly inflation up marginally to 1.07%
The
month-on-month inflation, a more relevant measure of prices, increased by 0.03%
to 1.07% (13.69% annualized) in October. This reflects the impact of border
closures on prices.
Food inflation spiked by 0.58% to 14.09%
Food
inflation, the major driver of the price level in Nigeria, increased in
October. On an annual basis, the index spiked by 0.58% but increased marginally
by 0.03% to 1.33% compared to the previous month. This confirms the view that
the food basket is a key determinant of the inflation trend. The food items
that recorded price increases were: Meat, Oils and fats, Bread and cereals,
Potatoes, Yam and other tubers, Fish and Vegetables.
Core inflation down to 8.88%
The year-on-year core index declined to 8.88% in October from 8.94% in September. On a monthly basis, it fell by 0.15% to 0.74%. This could be partly attributed to the partial closure of the Nigerian borders, which curtailed smuggling of petrol products and reduced pressure on prices. The index also benefited from the CBN's sustained intervention in the forex market, which helped to maintain currency stability.
The
naira appreciated to N359/$ at the parallel market. The items that recorded the
highest price increases include, Cleaning, Repair and hire of clothing,
Hospital services, Major household appliances, Repair of household appliance,
Glassware, tableware and household utensils, and garments. Core inflation is
1.12% below the 364-day primary market T/bills rate of 10.00%. This is
indicative of a positive rate of return on investment.
Rural and Urban inflation were up
The
year-on-year rural and urban inflation rates increased by 0.3% and 0.42% to
11.07% and 12.20% respectively in October. On a monthly basis, both indices
increased marginally by 0.03% and 0.02% to 0.99% and 1.15% respectively.
State-by-state analysis - Bayelsa now the best performing state
Bayelsa,
the state where election was marred by violence, has the lowest inflation rate
(9.07%), followed by Katsina (9.29%) and Kwara (9.69%). The states with the
highest inflation rates are - Kebbi (15.2%), Bauchi (13.97%) and Ondo (13.74%).
Policy Making Effect
The
spike in the headline inflation at a time of falling external reserves puts the
MPC on the spot at the upcoming meeting next week, especially with the imminent
wage-induced inflation. The meeting will be holding on the same day as the GDP
data for Q3 is released. If the numbers come in lower than expected, the
committee will be confronted with a policy dilemma.
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