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Scared Investors Want Proof Naira Will Float for Real on Window

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Naira Exchange Rates - Investors King
  • Scared Investors Want Proof Naira Will Float for Real on Window

Nigeria’s latest attempt to ease the dollar shortage choking its economy is dependent on traders trusting the central bank.

The monetary authority opened a foreign-exchange window for investors and exporters Monday where the naira trades between the interbank rate and the black-market rate, which many Nigerians use to access dollars. In the weeks before the opening, Governor Godwin Emefiele told senior bankers that he would tolerate a weaker naira and allow the market to determine the rate within the new window, according to a person who attended the meetings.

While the initial market reaction showed investors are optimistic the platform will be successful in bringing hard currency into Nigeria — bank stocks rose and naira forward contracts priced in a weaker currency — policy makers still must demonstrate that they’ll allow free trading. Investors have been disappointed before.

Last June, the central bank ended a 16-month currency-peg and promised to float the naira, but it has traded near 315 per dollar since August. That’s about 25 percent stronger than its black-market price of 390.

“If this is going to be market-determined, that would be a great positive,” said Razia Khan, the chief Africa economist at Standard Chartered Plc in London. “Given the false start we had in June last year, there’ll be a certain amount of caution initially.”

Standard Bank Group Ltd. analysts expect an initial “sharp but unsustainable” decline in the naira as investors and companies try to clear their unmet demand for dollars of about $4 billion. If that happens, the central bank may start manipulating the rate again, which would discourage inflows.

“What is on paper may not actually be what is practiced,” Standard Bank’s Lagos-based Ayomide Mejabi and Phumelele Mbiyo in Johannesburg said in a note Monday.

What’s Happened?

Unlike Egypt, which floated its pound in November when it was also desperate for hard currency, Nigeria’s central bank has introduced multiple exchange rates and sold forward contracts to meet demand for dollars. But those measures haven’t diminished the need for a black market to buy the greenback.

The central bank says the separate window will help “deepen the foreign exchange market and accommodate all foreign-exchange obligations.” Those allowed to sell dollars include include portfolio investors, exporters, banks and the regulator itself. Though trades are meant to be done on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis, the central bank says it can intervene.

The FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, a Lagos-based trading platform, will publish daily rates based on a poll of banks, with Monday’s closing rate set at 377.1 per dollar.

Why Did the Central Bank do This?

Nigeria has suffered from a dearth of foreign exchange since the price of oil, its main export, plunged in 2014. The central bank’s imposition of capital controls and a currency peg only worsened the crisis, according to investors, who have pulled money out of the country in the past two years. The government and central bank need them back to revive the economy, which shrank last year for the first time since 1991.

“There was acknowledgment from policy makers that greater flexibility in the FX regime was needed and that the existing system was hurting growth,” Khan said.

Will it Work?

Traders would prefer Emefiele to free the existing interbank market rather than create a separate exchange rate. But JPMorgan Asset Management says investors may be enticed into the market if they’re confident there’s enough liquidity for them to exit.

“It’s early days to gauge how effective the new window will be,” Diana Kiluta, an emerging markets debt portfolio manager at JPMorgan Asset Management in London, said in an emailed response to questions. “If indeed foreign investor flows can consistently clear in the window and there is some transparency around price determination, this could begin to restore some confidence.”

What are the Dangers?

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and Emefiele have consistently criticized those calling for a weaker naira, saying it would only accelerate inflation already at 17 percent and hurt the poor. That’s fueling investor skepticism that the central bank will allow a true float within the window.

Another danger is that it’s unclear whether oil companies, which generate the bulk of Nigeria’s export earnings, will be able to sell dollars in the window. Without them, the central bank may be left as the main supplier until foreign investors return.

“There are a number of things that need clarification,” Khan said.

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Naira

Nigeria Hits Historic High as Currency in Circulation Surges to N3.69 Trillion

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Nigeria’s currency in circulation surged to a historic high of N3.69 trillion, according to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This figure represents an increase of N43.07 billion or 1.18 percent from the total of N3.65 trillion reported in January 2024 and a 13.64 percent year-on-year rise from N3.25 trillion reported in February 2023.

Currency in circulation encompasses the physical cash, including paper notes and coins, actively used in transactions between consumers and businesses within the country.

The latest statistics indicate a considerable uptick in the availability of cash within the Nigerian economy.

The surge in currency supply comes amidst lingering concerns over a potential cash crunch following the monetary policy adjustments by the CBN, particularly the aggressive tightening stance of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Analysts attribute this spike to various factors, including the fear factor stemming from the cash crunch experienced in 2023 and lingering uncertainties surrounding the administration of physical currency.

Despite the surge in currency in circulation, Nigeria’s economic growth remains sluggish, with projections indicating growth rates of around 2.9 percent to 3.1 percent for 2024.

Also, inflation remains a significant concern, with the headline inflation rate climbing to 31.70 percent in February 2024 from 29.9 percent reported in January 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The CBN’s proactive approach to monetary policy, including a historic increase in the monetary policy rate (MPR) to 24.75 percent, underscores the central bank’s commitment to addressing economic challenges and fostering stability amidst persistent pressures.

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Naira

Nigerian Naira Surges to N1,350 per Dollar in Parallel Market

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The Nigerian Naira has appreciated to N1,350 per dollar in the parallel market, a significant gain from its previous rate of N1,430 per dollar just a day earlier.

Similarly, in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the naira strengthened to N1,382.95 per dollar, indicating an upward trend across key forex segments.

Data from FMDQ revealed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,382.95 per dollar from N1,408.04 per dollar on the previous day, representing a gain of N25.09 for the naira.

This surge in the naira’s value has widened the margin between the parallel market rate and NAFEM to N32.95 per dollar from N21.96 per dollar previously.

Analysts attribute this impressive surge to recent foreign exchange reforms implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

These reforms, including the consolidation of exchange rate windows and liberalization of the FX market, have contributed to bolstering the naira’s strength against the dollar.

The CBN’s proactive measures aim to promote stability, transparency, and liquidity in the foreign exchange market, fostering confidence among investors and strengthening the national currency.

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CBN Governor Reveals $2.4 Billion Forex Forwards Under Investigation

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Naira Exchange Rates - Investors King

Governor Yemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed that law enforcement agencies are currently investigating foreign exchange forwards valued at $2.4 billion.

This announcement came in the wake of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, March 26.

Governor Cardoso shed light on the meticulous forensic audit conducted on these transactions, which uncovered numerous discrepancies, rendering them ineligible for payment.

The CBN, while settling certain tranches of FX backlog, encountered transactions riddled with issues concerning their authenticity.

To address these concerns, Deloitte management consultants were enlisted to conduct a comprehensive forensic analysis spanning several months.

The audit revealed a multitude of irregularities, including allocations disbursed without corresponding requests, lack of proper documentation, and instances of outright illegality.

Cardoso emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We refused to validate them because, apart from the fact that documentation was not satisfactory in many cases, they were outright illegal.”

He underscored the commitment of law enforcement agencies to investigate these transactions thoroughly.

Despite concerns about potential backlogs among stakeholders, Cardoso assured that the market remains open and transparent for addressing any outstanding contractual obligations.

The CBN has diligently verified and settled recognized backlogs of forward transactions.

This revelation comes at a critical juncture as Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, including inflationary pressures.

The MPC’s decision to raise the benchmark interest rate to 24.75 percent reflects efforts to stabilize prices and restore the purchasing power of the average Nigerian.

As investigations unfold and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, the CBN’s commitment to transparency and financial integrity will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the nation.

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