Nigerian Treasury Bills Rate Jumps to 19% Per Annum as CBN Targets Exchange Rate Stability

In a significant move aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the Nigerian Treasury Bills rate to 19% per annum. This unprecedented hike is part of the CBN's broader strategy to attract foreign investment and curb inflationary pressures.

For investors and financial analysts, this development presents both opportunities and challenges in the evolving Nigerian financial landscape. This article delves into the reasons behind this rate hike, its potential impact on the economy, and what it means for local and international investors.

Read on to understand the full implications of the Nigerian Treasury Bills rate jumping to 19% per annum as CBN targets exchange rate stability.

Nigerian Treasury Bills Rate Jumps to 19% Per Annum

The first obvious indication that the central bank was shifting toward a more aggressive monetary policy was the 364-day Treasury bill stop rates, which shot to 19% annually. Also increasing to 18% and 12.2% were the 182-day and 91-day bills.

The rate increase is viewed as a significant monetary policy action intended to stop the naira's devaluation and drain the surplus money supply to stop the inflation that is out of control. Interest rates for these maturities were 5.15% for the 91-day bills, 11.54% for the 182-day bills, and 5% for the 91-day bills at the most recent auction on January 29, 2024.

In an attempt to stop the naira's decline, the central bank was probably going to give treasury bills a higher interest rate. An incredible N2.3 trillion was staked by investors, overspending the total N1 trillion that was up for grabs.

The large N1.8 trillion subscription for the one-year bill, of which the central bank sold N908.7 billion, was recorded for the offering of N600 billion.

Specifics of the proposal

• 91 days - In contrast to the N200 billion promised by the apex bank, investors only put up N39.9 billion for the 91-day bill. The interest rate range that was offered was from 7% to 17.2%. The N39.9 billion invested was sold by the central banks.
• 182 days - Additionally, investors undershot the offer, putting up just N76.8 billion of the N200 billion the central bank was offering. Just N51.3 billion was allocated by the national bank. The offers ranged from 4.9% to 19.9%. Treasury bills had an 18% stop rate.
• 364 days - Approximately N1.8 trillion was oversubscribed for the one-year bill, three times more than the N600 billion that was offered. N908.7 billion was allocated by the apex bank, with a 19% stop rate. Between 13% and 29.9% of interest rates were bid by investors.

The upper-end bid of 29.9%, which is marginally higher than the rate of inflation, represents the desired interest rate range for investors. According to some analysts, rates will probably keep rising in the upcoming weeks as the CBN steps up its attempts to stop the devaluation of the currency.

What This Implies

• Investors indicated, as reported in the article, that the apex bank intended to raise interest rates in today's auction to market expectations.
• The CBN seeks to stabilise the exchange currency and reduce inflation by tightening monetary policy through higher interest rates and more frequent treasury bill auctions. This would help to create a more stable and balanced economic environment.
• The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will deal with the excess liquidity in the economy is demonstrated by the decision to dramatically increase the amount of Treasury bills up for auction, particularly for the 364-day duration.
• Short-term loan instruments like commercial papers would probably be affected, and businesses would probably have to bear higher financing costs.
• Conversely, it is anticipated that the exchange rate would level off, assisting businesses in preventing currency rate losses.
• Whether or not international portfolio investors view this as alluring enough return to attract foreign exchange into the nation will determine how likely it is that these policies succeed.

The Takeaway