Standard & Poor’s has released its latest assessment of Nigeria which retains the country’s sovereign rating at BB- with a negative watch. Previously, it was BB-.with a negative outlook.
A statement by Paul C Nwabuikwu,Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance,Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said “This means that the ratings agency has adjusted its rating slightly by placing the country on negative watch because of the pressure of falling oil prices on the economy as well as political risk.
The statement noted that “Thus, Nigeria has not been downgraded but the country clearly needs to work harder to actualize its recently announced policy response to the current economic challenges.
Other oil producing countries, like Saudi Arabia, have also been put on negative watch, while a number of others, including Kazakhstan, Bahrain and Oman were downgraded outright.
Okonjo-Iweala ‘s aide said “It is important to note that in spite of the serious challenges arising from the sharp fall in oil prices, Nigeria is doing quite well compared to some other oil producing countries. For example, while the economies of Russia and Venezuela are projected to contract and experience negative growth this year, Nigeria’s GDP has been projected by the IMF to grow by 4.8% which is quite robust by global standards.
“Overall, there are two broad implications. First, the economy, despite many challenges, retains key strengths. Second, we have to keep working harder to continue to turn these strengths into real value for the country and its citizens”,the statement said.
