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CBN Governor Reels Out Gains of Naira Redesign Amid Deadline Confusion

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Godwin Emefiele - Investors King

For many Nigerians, the hardship occasioned by the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign some higher denominations of the nation’s currency is unprecedented.

From unending queues at banking halls, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) spots and customer service desks to non-circulation of the new naira, Nigerians have bemoaned the policy and condemned it for its poor management.

There has been confusion across the country as the CBN insisted that February 10, 2023 is the deadline for the old notes to be legal tenders, despite a temporary order of the Supreme Court that Nigerians should be allowed to co-spend the new and old notes.

When this latest stance of the apex bank filtered into the public on Tuesday, Investors King had reported that there was confusion and panic among the people, especially traders who had been transacting with the old notes. When some of them got to the commercial banks to deposit the old notes, they were directed to the CBN office.

Contrary to the opinions of affected Nigerians, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele has disclosed that there are many gains that the naira swap would fetch the country’s economic outlook and currency management.

Unlike some insinuations in some quarters that the naira redesign policy was hasty and afterthought, Emefiele argued that the bank had a comprehensive discussion, analysis and wide consultation before arriving at the decision, affirming that it was for the good of the Nigerian economy.

Briefing the diplomatic community on recent monetary policy decisions of the CBN at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Tuesday, Emefiele revealed that the nation had been challenged in currency management in Nigeria and that the issue has been undermining the nation’s sovereign integrity

In order to tackle the persistent challenges, the CBN Governor said the bank decided to redesign N1,000, N500 and N200 notes.

Emefiele said the decision is among the bank’s purview, adding that currency management is a key function of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 2(b) of the CBN Act 2007.

For the CBN boss, the institution is only interested in the integrity of a local legal tender, the efficiency of its supply, as well as its efficacy in the conduct of monetary policy, adding that they are some of the hallmarks of a great Central Bank and that at long run, the nation would see the benefits.

Some of the gains of the currency redesign initiative, according to Emefiele, included making the monetary policy decisions more effective and that it has been seeing inflation trending downwards and exchange rates relatively stable.

He said the bank was hoping to increase financial inclusion in the country by reducing the number of the unbanked population, adding that the bank’s aim is to fight Insecurity and banditry in the country.

The CBN Governor said the currency swap I’d already paying off as ransom-taking has become difficult while and the military are making good progress in the fight against insecurity.

He added that there are expectations that the policy would fetch more economic gains for Nigeria, including reduction in money supply, lowering inflation, exchange rate stability among others.

Explaining why Nigerians have been facing difficulty in accessing the new currency, Emefiele blamed some politicians whom he said had bought and hoarded the new currency for political reasons.

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Naira

Black Market Dollar (USD) to Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today 25th July 2024

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Naira Exchange Rates - Investors King

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of July 25th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ā‚¦1,595.

Recent data from Bureau De Change (BDC) reveals that buyers in the Lagos Parallel Market purchased a dollar for ā‚¦1,580 and sold it at ā‚¦1,570 on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024.

This indicates a decline in the Naira exchange rate value when compared to today’s rate.

The black market rate plays a crucial role for investors and participants, offering a real-time reflection of currency dynamics outside official or regulated exchange channels.

Monitoring these rates provides insights into the immediate value of the Naira against the dollar, guiding decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike.

It’s important to note that while the black market offers valuable insights, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize its existence.

The CBN advises individuals engaging in forex transactions to utilize official banking channels, emphasizing the importance of compliance with regulatory frameworks.

How much is dollar to naira today in the black market

For those navigating the currency exchange landscape, here are the latest figures for the black market exchange rate:

  • Buying Rate: ā‚¦1,595
  • Selling Rate: ā‚¦1,585

As economic conditions continue to evolve, staying informed about currency exchange rates empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions. While the black market provides immediate insights, adherence to regulatory guidelines ensures stability and transparency in forex transactions.

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Naira Hits Five-Month Low Amid Dollar Demand Surge

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Naira to Dollar Exchange- Investors King Rate - Investors King

Nigeria’s naira extended its losing streak to a fifth consecutive day as it slipped to its weakest level since March despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) interventions.

The naira closed at 1,577.29 per dollar on Monday, down from Fridayā€™s N1,563.8 per dollar onĀ FMDQ.

This decline comes despite the CBN’s efforts to stabilize the currency by injecting $122.7 million through dollar sales into the market.

However, analysts argue that these amounts were insufficient to balance the robust domestic demand for the greenback.

ā€œThe CBN has been in the market selling $50 million from time to time, which is not enough,ā€ commented Carlo Morelli, senior portfolio manager at Azimut Investment SA.

Morelli attributes the persistent pressure on the naira to capital outflows and a lack of investor confidence in the currency, despite the central bankā€™s commendable efforts in tightening monetary policy and reducing naira liquidity.

Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso has aggressively raised interest rates in an attempt to curb inflation and stabilize the naira.

The benchmark borrowing rate now stands at 26.25%, following an increase of 14.75 percentage points since May 2022.

However, the currency has weakened by approximately 70% against the dollar since exchange-rate controls were eased last year.

ā€œRestoring foreign exchange broad confidence is the last step, and the huge volatility in May delayed the return to normalcy,ā€ Morelli added.

ā€œMany foreign investors are still waiting for more evidence of stability before considering Nigeria investable.ā€

The naira’s decline makes it the second-worst performing currency tracked by Bloomberg in 2024, trailing only the Lebanese pound.

The recent depreciation has been fueled by both seasonal dollar demand and ongoing investor skepticism.

The central bank’s next policy decision, set for July 23, is expected to address these issues. Monday’s data showing annual inflation quickened to 34.2% in June suggests that another rate hike might be on the horizon.

In a bid to bolster the naira, the central bank has increased Nigeriaā€™s foreign exchange reserves to $35 billion as of July 8, the highest level since May 30, 2023.

This boost is attributed to recent loans from the World Bank and the African Export-Import Bank.

Omobola Adu, an analyst at BancTrust & Co. Investment Bank, noted that recent pressure on the naira has also stemmed from corporates and individuals preparing for foreign vacations.

ā€œBoosting the supply of FX into the country remains crucial for the government to alleviate pressure on the naira,ā€ Adu stated.

He suggested that a eurobond or local dollar bond sale later this year, along with increased support from multilateral institutions, could help shore up reserves.

Despite these challenges, Central Bank Governor Cardoso remains optimistic, asserting that the worst of the currency’s volatility is over.

He reiterated this sentiment on Thursday in Lagos, addressing business leaders and highlighting improvements in crude output and capital inflows as positive signs.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude producer, relies heavily on oil sales, which account for at least 80% of its export earnings.

The country’s combined crude oil and condensate output rose to 1.5 million barrels per day in June, the highest since February, according to the upstream petroleum regulatory commission.

ā€œWhile the naira may be undervalued, for the naira to stabilize and perhaps regain ground, large portfolio and capital inflows are needed,ā€ said Samir Gadio, head of Africa strategy at Standard Chartered Plc in London.

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Naira Plummets to Three-Month Low of N1,530 Per Dollar on Black Market

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New Naira notes

The naira has plunged to a three-month low of N1,530 per dollar on the parallel market, also known as the black market, amid renewed pressure on demand for the greenback by end users.

This represents a 0.65 percent or N10 decline from the N1,520 rate quoted last Friday.

According to data from online sources and street traders, this is the weakest level since March 19, 2024, when the naira was quoted at N1,570 per dollar.

“The dollar’s value has risen due to increased demand from travelers and importers. Currently, we purchase dollars at N1,520 and sell them at N1,530,” a street trader stated in Lagos.

On the official Foreign Exchange (FX) market, however, the naira saw a slight gain.

It appreciated by 0.70 percent on Friday, closing at N1,509.67 per dollar compared to N1,520.24 on Thursday, according to data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited.

Despite this appreciation on the official market, the parallel market continues to experience significant volatility.

The dollar supplied by willing buyers and sellers decreased by 32.64 percent, falling to $116.88 million on Friday from $173.51 million recorded on Thursday. This drop in supply further exacerbates the pressure on the naira in the parallel market.

The intraday high on Friday closed at N1,535 compared to N1,550 on Thursday, while the intraday low was quoted at N1,450 on Friday, down from N1,430 on Thursday.

Economic analysts suggest that the disparity between the official and parallel market rates indicates underlying issues in Nigeria’s foreign exchange management and economic policies.

The continuous demand for dollars by travelers and importers highlights the challenges faced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in stabilizing the naira.

As the demand for the dollar remains strong, the naira’s depreciation could have far-reaching effects on the economy, including increased inflation and higher costs of imported goods.

The CBN may need to implement additional measures to address the ongoing demand and supply

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