The International Monetary Funds (IMF) says that imports to Nigeria are rebounding faster than exports post-pandemic.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the IMF following a series of virtual meetings, held between June 1-8, 2021 – with Nigerian representatives and a team led by IMF Mission Chief for Nigeria, Ms. Jesmin Rahmann.
Rahman, during the discussion on Nigeria’s recent economic performance and outlook, noted that despite the sharp turn towards economic contraction, the country’s growth was positive.
She was quoted as saying, “The Nigerian economy has started to gradually recover from the negative effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Following sharp output contractions in the second and third quarters, GDP growth turned positive in Q4 2020 and growth reached 0.5 percent (y/y) in Q1 2021, supported by agriculture and services sectors.
“Nevertheless, the employment level continues to fall dramatically and, together with other socio-economic indicators, is far below pre-pandemic levels. Inflation slightly decelerated in May but remained elevated at 17.9 percent, owing to high food price inflation.
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“With the recovery in oil prices and remittance flows, the strong pressures on the balance of payments have somewhat abated, although imports are rebounding faster than exports and foreign investor appetite remains subdued resulting in continued FX shortage.”
Recovery In All Sectors
Rahmann also added that Nigeria’s economic reboot would be felt across all sectors with a projection of a 2.5 growth in 2021.
She said, “The incipient recovery in economic activity is projected to take root and broaden among sectors, with GDP growth expected to reach 2.5 percent in 2021.
“Inflation is expected to remain elevated in 2021, but likely to decelerate in the second half of the year to reach about 15.5 percent, following the removal of border controls and the elimination of base effects from elevated food price levels.
“Tax revenue collections are gradually recovering but, with fuel subsidies resurfacing, additional spending for Covid-19 vaccines, and to address security challenges, the fiscal deficit of the Consolidated Government is expected to remain elevated at 5.5 percent of GDP.
“Downside risks to the near-term arise from further deterioration of security conditions, and the still uncertain course of the pandemic both globally and in Nigeria.”
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