IMF approves $3.4bn emergency fund release to Nigeria

IMF, however, insisted that the Federal Government must be committed to medium-term macro-economic stability to support economic recovery and ensure the country’s debt remains sustainable.

The $3.4 billion loan from IMF is part of $6.9 billion loan Nigeria is seeking from international lenders to enhance its efforts to tackle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on government’s revenue and the economy in general.

But the $3.4 billion represents Nigeria’s total contribution to the  IMF. Nigeria, just like other member countries of the IMF, could apply for between 50 and 100 percent of each member’s financial contribution to the Fund.

The fund so requested is not a loan that attracts interest. It is non-negotiable, unconditional fund release based on request as permitted by the IMF.

The approval of Nigeria’s request for 100 percent of her contribution to the IMF has been described in some quarters as a withdrawal of her entire contribution in one fell swoop.

In addition to the IMF loan, Nigeria is seeking $2.5 billion loan from the World Bank, and $1 billion from the African Development Bank.

In a statement announcing the emergency support to Nigeria, the IMF said: “The IMF approved US$3.4 billion in emergency financial assistance under the Rapid Financing Instrument to support the authorities’ efforts in addressing the severe economic impact of the COVID-19 shock and the sharp fall in oil prices.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has magnified existing vulnerabilities, leading to a historic contraction in real GDP growth and to large external and fiscal financing needs.

“Once the impact of the COVID-19 shock passes, the authorities’ commitment to medium-term macroeconomic stability remains crucial to support the recovery and ensure debt remains sustainable.

“The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, approved Nigeria’s request for emergency financial assistance of SDR 2,454.5 million (US$ 3.4 billion, 100 percent of quota) under the Rapid Financing Instrument, RFI, to meet the urgent balance of payment needs stemming from the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The near-term economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be severe, while already high downside risks have increased. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, Nigeria’s economy was facing headwinds from rising external vulnerabilities and falling per capita GDP levels.

“The pandemic— along with the sharp fall in oil prices— has magnified the vulnerabilities, leading to a historic decline in growth and large financing needs.

“The IMF financial support will help limit the decline in international reserves and provide financing to the budget for targeted and temporary spending increases aimed at containing and mitigating the economic impact of the pandemic and of the sharp fall in international oil prices.

“The IMF remains closely engaged with the Nigerian authorities and stands ready to provide policy advice and further support, as needed.”

Commenting, Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair of the IMF Board said: “The COVID-19 outbreak— magnified by the sharp fall in international oil prices and reduced global demand for oil products— is severely impacting economic activity in Nigeria.

“These shocks have created large external and financing needs for 2020. Additional declines in oil prices and more protracted containment measures would seriously affect the real and financial sectors and strain the country’s financing.

“The authorities’ immediate actions to respond to the crisis are welcome. The short-term focus on fiscal accommodation would allow for higher health spending and help alleviate the impact of the crisis on households and businesses.

“Steps taken toward a more unified and flexible exchange rate are also important and unification of the exchange rate should be expedited.

“Once the COVID-19 crisis passes, the focus should remain on medium-term macro-economic stability, with revenue-based fiscal consolidation essential to keep Nigeria’s debt sustainable and create fiscal space for priority spending.

“Implementation of the reform priorities under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, particularly on power and governance, remains crucial to boost growth over the medium term.

“The emergency financing under the RFI will provide much-needed liquidity support to respond to the urgent BOP needs. Additional assistance from development partners will be required to support the government’s efforts and close the large financing gap.

“The implementation of proper governance arrangements— including through the publication and independent audit of crisis-mitigating spending and procurement processes— is crucial to ensure emergency funds are used for their intended purposes.”

(With extensive reports from Vanguard)