Nigeria Real Interest Rate
Real interest rate FR.INR.RINR
Nigeria's real interest rate was 20.09% in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 598.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Nigeria's real interest rate stood at 20.09% in 2025, a rise of +17.21pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 20.09% by 2025. Nigeria ranked 3rd globally.
Nigeria's real interest rate has fluctuated significantly over the past 55 years, with the latest value standing at 20.09% in 2025. This rate is the highest among all countries and marks the peak real interest rate for Nigeria, surpassing the previous all-time high of 14.21% in 2008. Conversely, the country experienced its lowest real interest rate in 1981, with a value of -65.86%, indicating a severe economic downturn during that period. Compared to its peer countries, Nigeria's high real interest rate is notably higher than Madagascar's 39.81% and Timor-Leste's 16.02%, while it lags behind Brazil's 41.76% and Mozambique's 15.64% during the same period. The high real interest rate in Nigeria indicates a high cost of borrowing and may limit economic growth. A change in monetary policy or a shift in global interest rates could alter the trajectory of Nigeria's real interest rate and impact the country's economic prospects.
Data & projection
| Year | Real Interest Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 26.00% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 20.09% | - | - |
| 2025 | 20.09% | +17.21pp | #3 |
| 2023 | 2.88% | −1.09pp | #41 |
| 2022 | 3.97% | +4.99pp | #74 |
| 2021 | -1.02% | −3.17pp | #34 |
| 2020 | 2.15% | +27.92pp | #19 |
| 2019 | -25.78% | −31.83pp | #2 |
| 2018 | 6.06% | +0.27pp | #68 |
| 2017 | 5.79% | −0.90pp | #78 |
| 2016 | 6.69% | −6.91pp | #71 |
| 2015 | 13.60% | +2.24pp | #108 |
| 2014 | 11.36% | +0.15pp | #112 |
| 2013 | 11.20% | +4.98pp | #111 |
| 2012 | 6.22% | +0.54pp | #81 |
| 2011 | 5.69% | +4.62pp | #88 |
| 2010 | 1.07% | −17.11pp | #41 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nigeria matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw real interest rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigeria's real interest rate was 20.09% in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 598.4% increase from the previous year.
Nigeria's real interest rate peaked at 20.09% in 2025.
The lowest real interest rate in Nigeria was -65.86% in 1981.
Nigeria ranks 3rd globally in real interest rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.RINR. Data sourced from World Bank.
Nigeria's real interest rate is projected to reach 20.09% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The real interest rate of Nigeria in 2025 was 20.09%. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nigeria_real-interest-rate,
title = {Nigeria Real Interest Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nigeria/real-interest-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}