22.09.202613:03:54UTC+00Nigeria’s Central Bank Delivers Surprise Rate Cut to 23.00% as Tightening Cycle Eases

Nigeria’s interest rate has been cut to 23.00%, down from a previous level of 26.50%, marking a notable shift in the country’s monetary stance. The adjustment, confirmed on 22 September 2026, suggests that policymakers at the Central Bank of Nigeria see room to moderate the aggressive tightening that had been in place.

The reduction of 3.5 percentage points indicates an effort to relieve borrowing costs and potentially support credit growth and investment, after a period of very restrictive rates. While the move may offer some relief to businesses and consumers facing high financing costs, it also places renewed focus on how the central bank will balance inflation risks against the need to underpin economic activity.

Markets and analysts will now be watching closely for signals on the central bank’s next steps, as the new 23.00% benchmark rate sets the tone for Nigeria’s financial conditions heading into the coming months.