Figures obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria on money market indicators, on Monday, have revealed that the maximum lending rate in the banking sector has hit 29.13 per cent while savings deposit rates was 4.13 per cent as of the end of December 2022.
Prime lending rate was 13.85 per cent, while inter-bank call rate was 12 per cent. Treasury bill rate was 4.35 per cent, one month deposit rate was 8.15 per cent, three months deposit rate was 3.79 per cent, six months deposit rate was 8.68 per cent, while 12 months deposit rate was 8.er cent. Monetary Policy Rate stood at 16.5 per cent in the period under review.
The National Institute of Credit Administration stated in its report blueprint report for growth, development and sustainability of micro, small, medium size enterprise sector in Nigeria that there was need to support businesses with single digit loans as high interest rates was affecting economic growth.
It stated that, “The higher the Monetary Policy Rate, the higher the interest rate charged on loans and lines of credits offered to MSMEs in the country. High interest rate is an albatross to any MSME.”
NICA said many MSMEs were contending with several economic factors while running their ventures.
It stated, “Because of the scale and wherewithal of the MSMEs, these factors have significant impact on their profitability. Thus, not to further aggravate the problems, it is pertinent for MSMEs to have ‘Not too difficult’ access to single digit loans. CBN in conjunction with the developmental banks should create more sector-specific funds which MSMEs can access at single digits and without so much difficulties or strenuous conditions.”