[VIEWPOINT] High Interest Rate Spreads: A Threat to Nigeria’s Economic Growth

Interest rate spreads—the difference between lending and deposit rates—has long been a concern in Nigeria’s financial sector. Over the years, Nigeria’s banking system has exhibited unusually wide spreads compared to regional and global institutions, reflecting systemic inefficiencies and economic distortions. Between 2023 and 2025, Nigerian banks’ interest spreads surged from 6% to 19%, raising alarms over its impact on the economy.

By Mustafa Chike Obi & Adetilewa Adebajo

This article explores the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to Nigeria’s high interest rate spreads and offers policy recommendations to create a more balanced and growth-friendly financial system.

Causes of high interest rate spreads

Several structural and policy-related factors contribute to Nigeria’s high interest spreads:

1. Regulatory Requirements and Taxes:
   • The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) mandates a high Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of 50%, limiting banks’ lending capacity.
   • Additional costs such as the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) levy, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) premiums, and impending windfall taxes further inflate lending rates.
2. Monetary Policy Stance:
   • The CBN’s tight monetary policy, including high benchmark interest rates, forces banks to charge higher lending rates to maintain profitability.
3. Liquidity and Funding Constraints:
   • Banks facing high funding costs tend to pass these expenses onto borrowers through increased lending rates.
4. High Credit Risk:
   • A high prevalence of non-performing loans (NPLs) compels banks to impose risk premiums, making borrowing more expensive.

Economic impact of high interest rate spreads

The ripple effects of high interest rate spreads are widespread, affecting key economic indicators:

1. Reduced Investment:
   • High lending rates discourage borrowing for productive investments, stalling economic growth.
2. Limited Credit Access:
   • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to access affordable credit, limiting expansion and job creation.
3. Higher Cost of Borrowing:
   • Increased borrowing costs erode business profitability and slow economic activities.
4. Slower Economic Growth:
   • A credit-constrained economy stifles business expansion, negatively impacting GDP growth.
5. Widening Income Inequality:
   • Limited financial inclusion disproportionately affects low-income populations, exacerbating poverty levels.

Key economic indicators affected

• GDP Growth: A direct correlation exists between high interest rate spreads and suppressed economic growth.
• Unemployment: Reduced financing options limit job creation and business expansion.
• Financial Inclusion: Expensive financial services hinder broader participation in the economy.

Strategies for reducing high interest rate spreads

A mix of policy and structural interventions can help lower Nigeria’s high interest rate spreads:

1. Lowering Cash Reserve Requirements:
   • Releasing a portion of CRR funds for targeted lending to priority sectors at moderate interest rates.
2. Monetary Policy Reforms:
   • Gradually reducing the benchmark interest rate while balancing inflation control.
3. Fiscal Policy Adjustments:
   • Reducing government borrowing to ease monetary policy constraints and lower lending rates.
4. Enhancing Banking Efficiency:
   • Encouraging financial institutions to adopt technology-driven solutions to cut operational costs.

Advantages of a low interest rate spread regime

• Lower Credit Risk: Improved risk assessment reduces default rates.
• Increased Investment: Affordable loans stimulate business expansion.
• Higher Economic Growth: A well-functioning credit system accelerates productivity.
• Greater Financial Inclusion: More individuals and businesses gain access to financial services.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s high interest rate spreads pose a significant challenge to economic growth, investment, and financial inclusion. Addressing this issue requires coordinated action from monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside banking sector reforms. By implementing policies that enhance credit availability and reduce financial sector inefficiencies, Nigeria can foster sustainable economic development and prosperity.

Chike-Obi is a mathematician and the current Chairman of Fidelity Bank Nigeria. He was the inaugural Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015.