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How CBN Contributed To Rising Inflation – Ex CBN Deputy
Kingsley Moghalu, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has attributed the country’s inflation to the ongoing practice of the apex bank financing the federal government’s deficits.
According to Moghalu, as long as the government continues to rely on ways and means to address its deficits, inflation will persistently increase.
He further emphasized that inflation is not solely defined as an excessive amount of money pursuing a limited number of goods, but also involves a cost-push element.
Kingsley Moghalu, a political economist and former presidential aspirant made this known during an interview with ARISE TV.
Recall hat in the first 10 months of 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria borrowed a total of N6.3 trillion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the practice of ways and means advances.
Additionally, in May 2023, the Senate approved a CBN loan amounting to N22.7 trillion, which had been utilized by the executive arm of the government.
In May 2023, the Nigerian Senate made amendments to the CBN Act, specifically increasing the borrowing threshold for the federal government through ways and means.
The amendment raised the threshold from 5 to 15 percent, allowing the government greater flexibility in accessing funds through this mechanism.
Moghalu highlighted that amidst the removal of petrol subsidy and the floatation of the naira, the inflationary impact is the most significant and immediate threat.
He said “So, inflation in Nigeria is going to just continue to shoot up in the immediate time, that is a fact.
“This becomes a challenge because in order to attract capital, when you have a very stiff rise in inflation, most times you need to keep interest rates high for a while, but Nigeria’s economy is very funny, it doesn’t always follow the textbooks.”
Moghalu said there were many reasons for the continuous surge despite raising interest rates.
According to the economist, what is causing this current round of inflation is “not the standard definition of inflation of too much money chasing too few goods only, there is also a cost-push factor.
Moghalu said, “Also, the central bank itself was contributing to inflation through the monetary phenomenon of illegal financing of the federal government’s massive deficits to the tune of N23 trillion, in ways and means lending”.
“Of course, you’re contributing to inflation with one hand you say you’re fighting inflation with the other hand. Why was the ways and means lending so high? It is because you have a government that could not manage its fiscal books and there you have the fiscal period of the price ladder being also relevant in addition to the quantity theory of money and how they play out in the market that causes inflation.”
In support of his argument, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria stressed the importance of the apex bank’s independence from government influence in effectively managing inflation.
According to him, maintaining the autonomy of the central bank is crucial to ensuring sound monetary policies and mitigating inflationary pressures.
He added “If the federal government is far more responsible, and disciplined with the budget and with spending, it will help the central bank to manage inflation, but then the federal government is just spending or borrowing like a drunken sailor, and then the central bank alone has to manage the inflationary consequences. It becomes very difficult.”
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TCN Completes Relocation Of 8 Towers, Ends Power Rationing In Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
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Davido Is Richer Than His Billionaire Father – Ibrahim Chatta Claims
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
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Rita Edochie Praises Donald Trump, Calls Him ‘Angel’
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
READ MORE: Trump Dismisses Four Biden-Appointed Officials, Signals More Shake-ups
“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.