…signals tax rate increases likely needed beyond 2026

…backs CBN’s tight monetary stance until disinflation is entrenched and inflation expectations anchored

…urges tighter crypto oversight while flagging rising banking risks

Nigeria has made significant progress in restoring macroeconomic stability over the past three years, but millions of its citizens continue to face acute hardship, with poverty and food insecurity remaining elevated despite improving external and fiscal buffers, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

In its 2026 Article IV consultation released Tuesday, the Fund said policy reforms—including the removal of fuel subsidies, tighter monetary conditions, exchange rate liberalisation, and efforts to reduce deficit monetisation—had strengthened macroeconomic resilience and helped rebuild investor confidence.