January 6, 2025
Budget Deficit Puts Nigeria’s Economic Stability at Risk, Says Fitch Ratings
Business News

Budget Deficit Puts Nigeria’s Economic Stability at Risk, Says Fitch Ratings

Budget Deficit Puts Nigeria’s Economic Stability at Risk, Says Fitch Ratings

Fitch Ratings has cautioned that Nigeria’s bid to stabilise its economy could face major headwinds if the government fails to achieve its fiscal deficit reduction targets.  

The global credit rating agency noted that a larger-than-anticipated budget deficit in 2025 may trigger further depreciation of the naira, exacerbate inflationary pressures, and elevate borrowing costs. Such developments, Fitch said, could undermine the government’s ambitious reform agenda. 

Also Read: Zamfara Governor Signs ₦546bn ‘Rescue Budget 2.0’ into Law 

In its latest review, Fitch assessed Nigeria’s 2025–2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which forecasts a significant narrowing of the budget deficit. However, the agency expressed scepticism about the framework’s underlying assumptions, including an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel and production levels of 2.06 million barrels per day, condensates included.  

Fitch’s analysis underscores the delicate balancing act required to steer Africa’s largest economy towards stability amid persistent fiscal challenges.

Leave feedback about this

News, Today In the News

News, Today In the News