Analysts from Meristem Research predict that the newly formed Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is likely to increase the Monetary Policy Rate during its upcoming meeting on Monday and Tuesday. The analysts cite concerns such as rising headline inflation, fueled by escalating food prices and naira depreciation, as well as the need to align the monetary policy rate with market interest rates. They anticipate a 100 basis points hike, raising the policy rate to 19.75 percent. Additionally, a 250 basis points increase in the Cash Reserve Ratio to 35.00 percent is expected. The analysts emphasize the MPC's focus on global disinflation trends, oil price fluctuations, and the economic downturns in the UK and Japan. The report comes amid persistently high inflation in Nigeria, reaching 29.9 percent in January, and follows the screening and confirmation of MPC members by the Senate.