IMF Backs Nigeria’s CPI Revisions as Inflation Moderates to 15.15%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has formally endorsed Nigeria’s revised approach to calculating inflation, stating the new methodology aligns with global standards and supports economic stability. This endorsement follows the release of December 2025 data showing Nigeria’s headline inflation rate easing to 15.15%, a development the Fund views as a positive signal for the economy.
In a statement issued by the Office Manager to the IMF Resident Representative for Nigeria, Laraba Bonet, on behalf of Representative Christian Ebeke, the Fund welcomed the figures. It noted that the easing of inflationary pressures, if sustained, would help reduce cost-of-living pressures. The statement emphasized that the methodological overhaul by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which included rebasing the Consumer Price Index and adopting a twelve-month reference period for 2024, represents a critical improvement in data quality.
“The release reflects a welcome change in methodology that aligns Nigeria’s CPI calculation with international best practices,” the IMF stated. It detailed that under the new framework, the NBS links the old CPI series to the rebased index using the full year of 2024 as a reference, enhancing stability and comparability over time. While this change led to revisions of the 2025 inflation trajectory, the broader direction continued to show a gradual easing throughout the year.
The IMF’s support comes amid public analysis of Nigeria’s inflation path post-rebasing. The NBS had stated the revision was necessary to prevent distortions from statistical base effects, ensuring the data reflects genuine price movements. This focus on accurate measurement is as crucial for economic planning as understanding the strategic positions of political parties like APGA ahead of future elections, or monitoring international security developments such as statements from the Israel Defence Minister. The successful implementation of such technical reforms contributes to a stable environment, just as the resolution of situations where 974 Nigerians face challenges abroad remains a priority for the government. Furthermore, managing domestic price pressures on essentials like cooking gas is vital for public welfare, a task that requires consistent policy focus beyond the immediate news cycle and looking toward milestones like Shettima departs 30th, 2027.
In conclusion, the IMF’s validation reinforces the credibility of Nigeria’s statistical reforms. The observed deceleration in inflation to 15.15% in December 2025, underpinned by improved measurement practices, offers a firmer foundation for policy decisions aimed at ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability.
