(Adds details, quotes)
By Alexis Akwagyiram
LAGOS, July 20 (Reuters) - Nigeria's central bank held its
benchmark lending rate at 12.5%, the governor said on Monday,
adding that members of the monetary policy committee wanted to
assess the impact of a 100-basis-point rate cut at the last
meeting.
Godwin Emefiele said eight of the 10 committee members voted
to retain the rate and two voted for a rate cut.
In May the bank unexpectedly cut the rate by 100 basis
points to 12.5% from 13.5%. It was the largest rate cut since
2015. "The committee was mindful of the cut in policy rate at the
last MPC (committee) meeting and the need to allow time for its
effect to permeate the economy," said Emefiele.
Emefiele said the rate cut was having a "positive impact" as
credit growth had increased significantly in the economy.