Stears, a leading economic analysis and data-driven insights provider, has urged the federal government to take immediate action on dollar illiquidity to stem inflation.

Stears also called for proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s economic stability from inflation pressures in 2024.

Dumebi Oluwole, the Senior Economist, Stears, made this known on Thursday in its 2024 African Outlook Report, shedding light on Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape.

Oluwole, noting that Nigeria is currently grappling a high headline inflation rate of  28.2 per cent, projected that the average annual inflation rate for 2024 would range from 27.59 per cent to 31.85 per cent.

Inflation: Specific blueprint critical to manufacturing, other performances in 2024

She anticipated that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would persist with its tightening policy in the near term to address the inflationary pressures effectively.

Oluwole said immediate action on dollar illiquidity was deemed crucial for achieving comprehensive inflation management, alongside other strategic interventions to enhance liquidity and stabilise the exchange rate.

“The elimination of petrol subsidies, the resultant surge in fuel prices has set off a chain reaction, significantly heightening the cost of living for consumers, escalating transportation expenses and contributing to an overall uptick in inflation.

“This, coupled with the devaluation of the naira, has led to elevated import costs, particularly in the context of persistent foreign exchange scarcity.

“The cumulative effect is complicating the economic landscape, adding layers to the challenges faced by both consumers and businesses.

“In the longer term, Stears emphasises the imperative for a holistic approach, calling for sustained efforts in addressing structural challenges that contribute to inflationary pressures,” she said.

Fadekemi Abiru, the Head of Insights, Stears, said the report highlighted the need for collaborative initiatives between the government, regulatory bodies, and private sectors to foster sustainable economic growth.

Abiru said the company’s projections and recommendations were rooted in a thorough analysis of the current economic conditions.

“We understand the complexity of the economic landscape in Nigeria, and our 2024 African Outlook Report aims to provide valuable insights to policymakers, investors, and businesses navigating these challenging times.

Nigeria’s inflation rate increased to 28.2% in November – NBS

“We believe that a combination of short-term measures and long-term strategies will be instrumental in steering Nigeria towards a path of resilience and growth,” she said.

Abiru projected Africa’s growth to be at four per cent in 2024, up from 3.3 per cent in 2023, making it the second-highest globally after Asia (4.8 per cent).

She stated that East Africa would steal the spotlight, boasting consistently higher growth rates than the rest of the continent.

According to her, key drivers in this ascent include Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, collectively contributing significantly to the region’s economic resurgence.

“East Africa’s growth is propelled by dynamic sectors such as natural resources, transportation, tourism, and agriculture.

“Significantly, there is potential for further acceleration due to increased investment from Gulf countries and these developments are shaping East Africa into a model region for economic resilience and diversification.

“In contrast, Africa’s economic giants – South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria – are poised for growth rates below the regional average, emphasising the importance of recognising and navigating the diverse economic landscapes that exist within the continent,” she added.

Also, Noelle Okwedy, Lead Energy Analyst,  Stears, projected that Nigeria’s petrol import volumes would remain below 40 million litres per day in 2024.

For electricity, Okwedy indicated that in 2024, the groundwork for state electricity markets would begin to take shape even though cost-reflective tariffs in Nigeria’s power sector would remain elusive.

“The analysis highlights the volatility in Nigeria’s oil production levels, establishing a baseline of 1.4 million barrels per day contingent on the mitigation of vandalism and theft as indigenous oil companies acquire assets from international oil companies.

“There is potential for increased production through long-term, deep offshore investments.

“Within the next four years, these investments could propel production to 2 million barrels per day, marking a substantial enhancement in Nigeria’s energy output,” she said.

Bolatito Bickersteth, Financial Analyst, Stears, said in 2024, stricter regulations on financial technology (fintech) would deepen bank fintech partnerships.

She predicted a new era of collaboration and innovation, driven by upcoming stringent regulations on fintechs and the high costs associated with payment infrastructure development.

“Against this backdrop, Stears’ analysis predicts a notable increase in opportunities for banks to lend their infrastructure to fintechs.

“The collaborative approach, borne out of regulatory challenges and cost considerations, is expected to foster a more symbiotic relationship between traditional banks and fintech innovators,” she said.

She said as banks navigate the impact of the tough operating environment in 2024 and seek to attract low-cost deposits, Stears notes potential in collaborations with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and tapping into the unbanked population.

Bickersteth advocated a strategic and collaborative approach, urging banks to leverage their established infrastructure and extensive networks to tap into the offline payment market and increase collaboration with SMEs.