The Nigerian Naira is exceeding expectations and may potentially surpass the 1,000 Naira mark against the dollar.

According to Goldman Sachs, this bullish forecast comes on the heels of aggressive Central Bank policies and President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is a highly regarded multinational investment bank and financial services company known for its diverse range of financial services.

The international investment bank had initially predicted a Naira-dollar exchange rate of 1,200 by the end of year 2024.

However, the recent appreciation of the Naira has prompted Goldman Sachs to effect a revision of its earlier forecast.

Economist Andrew Matheny of Goldman Sachs suggests the Naira “could see it reach 1,000 or even dip below to the dollar.”

The central bank’s decisive action is a key factor for this projected appreciation of the Naira.

Two consecutive interest rate hikes totalling 600 basis points have attracted capital inflows and curbed inflation. April alone saw a 12 percent appreciation against the dollar, building on a 1 percent gain in March.

These measures Goldman Sachs said “have alleviated the dollar shortage, reducing volatility and reliance on the black market.

Matheny emphasized the positive trajectory since Goldman Sachs’ initial prediction, highlighting the sustained policy efforts.

The report credits President Tinubu’s decisive leadership and the work of his economic team anchored around the ACE team (ACE – Adedeji, Cardoso, Edun) for these positive changes and reforms like eliminating fuel subsidies which aims to revitalize the economy.

Goldman Sachs’ positive outlook reflects optimism for sustained growth and stability under President Tinubu’s administration. (The Nation)

Update news