Connect with us

Naira

Keystone and Union Banks Set Ablaze by Angry Nigerian Youths

Published

on

Central Bank

Once again, protests have erupted in Nigeria over the lingering scarcity of the Naira, the country’s official currency. This time, videos circulating on social media show two banks set on fire in the Sagamu area of Ogun State.

Residents watched helplessly as Keystone and Union banks were engulfed in flames by angry youths wielding planks in protest, Investors King reports.

This recent protest comes barely a week after a similar incident in the Mowe-Ibafo area of Ogun State where many residents blocked the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in protest of the worsening economic conditions caused by the naira scarcity. These protests are a reflection of the desperation and frustration felt by Nigerians who are grappling with the harsh economic realities of the country.

In a national broadcast last week, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that the old N500 and N1,000 notes were no longer legal tender in the country, adding to the confusion and uncertainty that has characterized the country’s monetary policy in recent years. The government has been trying to tackle inflation by introducing new banknotes, but the move has been met with mixed reactions from Nigerians.

While some believe the introduction of new banknotes is a necessary step towards modernizing the country’s monetary system, others argue that it will only worsen the situation by exacerbating the scarcity of the naira, which is already in short supply. Many Nigerians are struggling to get their hands on cash, leading to long queues at banks and ATMs.

It is important to note that while protests are a fundamental right in any democracy, it is crucial that they are peaceful and nonviolent. Burning banks and other public properties is not the solution to the country’s economic problems. In fact, such actions only serve to create more problems and hardship for the people.

Nigerians should be encouraged to express their grievances through legal and peaceful means, such as engaging with their elected representatives and voting in the upcoming elections. It is also essential that the government takes swift action to address the economic challenges facing the country and provide sustainable solutions to the naira scarcity problem.

The naira scarcity remains a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from both the government and the people. While protests can be a catalyst for change, they should be conducted peacefully and with the aim of finding sustainable solutions. The government, on the other hand, must do everything within its power to address the root causes of the problem and provide economic relief to Nigerians.

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.

Continue Reading
Comments

Naira

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Naira

Naira Hits Five-Month Low Amid Dollar Demand Surge

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Naira

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending