The Central Bank of Nigeria released its January 2026 Household Expectations Survey, showing overall consumer sentiment eased to 2.8 index points from 4.8 in December 2025 but remained positive for a third consecutive month. The results pointed to sustained optimism about the broader economy alongside a negative assessment of household financial conditions. The Economic Condition index stood at 7.4, while the Family Financial Situation index was -8.2 and Family Income Sentiment was 9.1. The macroeconomic outlook indices were 9.2 for February 2026, 13.8 over the next three months and 19.4 for July 2026. On prices, the sentiment index on price changes moved to an optimistic 4.2 from -1.4, and the index for the average prices of selected items declined to 22.6 from 25.9, suggesting perceived moderation even as price levels were still viewed as high; Food and Other Household items were perceived as lower than the previous month with an index of -31.7, while respondents anticipated prices may remain slightly high over the next six months.
Central Bank of Nigeria 2026-02-13
Central Bank of Nigeria publishes January 2026 Household Expectations Survey showing softer consumer sentiment but continued macroeconomic optimism
The Central Bank of Nigeria's January 2026 Household Expectations Survey shows a decline in consumer sentiment to 2.8 index points from 4.8 in December 2025, though optimism about the broader economy persists. The Economic Condition index is at 7.4, the Family Financial Situation index is -8.2, and Family Income Sentiment is 9.1. Price sentiment improved to 4.2 from -1.4, with a decline in the average prices index to 22.6 from 25.9, reflecting perceived moderation despite high price levels.