CBN retains rate at 26.5%, cites Middle East tensions

•Says banks no longer need forbearance •External reserves sustains upward trend, hit $52.5bn By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent. CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision yesterday after the 306th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja. He…