Forex

Citigroup Urges Nigeria to Lift Forex Restrictions on 43 Items for Forex Market Recovery

Published

7 months ago

October 12, 2023

Citigroup has called for the removal of foreign exchange restrictions on 43 items imposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a critical step to address the challenges faced by Nigeria’s forex market.

This appeal comes from insights shared in the CEEMEA Frontier Credit Market Commentary, authored by credit analyst Ayso van Eysinga, following his visit to Nigeria.

Van Eysinga highlighted the urgency of addressing the backlog of forex demand, particularly the past-due forwards of approximately $6.8 billion, which local banks had taken over from local corporates, straining the banking system and hampering the issuance of new letters of credit.

He suggested that the CBN may not necessarily need to source $6.8 billion in fresh dollars but rather consider a partial repayment and restructuring of the balance.

To achieve a more streamlined forex market, Van Eysinga emphasized the necessity of eliminating regulations contributing to the tiered FX system, with the most glaring being the restrictions placed on 43 specific items as published in a CBN circular in June 2015.

In addition to addressing forex challenges, the report discussed the imperative to boost oil production. It acknowledged the scale of oil theft, involving hundreds of thousands of barrels per day, and the challenges in combating such organized criminal activities.

The report argued that ramping up oil production beyond 1.5 million barrels per day in the medium term would be essential for a stronger Naira and price stability.

Tunde Amolegbe, Managing Director of Arthur Steven Asset Management Limited, expressed concerns about the report’s prediction of the government’s struggle to raise crude oil production due to powerful unseen forces.

He stressed the need for innovative solutions to reduce systemic liquidity and establish a clear correlation between monetary policy and its impact on inflation.

While the report recognized the strength of Nigeria’s current leadership team, including President Bola Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso, it called for a strategic effort to rectify past administration’s policies and rebuild economic credibility.

The recommendations from Citigroup underscore the importance of regulatory reforms and increased oil production to revive Nigeria’s forex market and overall economic stability.

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Naira

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 20th May 2024

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 20th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,530.

Published

11 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 20th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,530.

Recent data from Bureau De Change (BDC) reveals that buyers in the Lagos Parallel Market purchased a dollar for ₦1,540 and sold it at ₦1,530 on Friday, May 17th, 2024.

This indicates a slight improvement in the Naira exchange rate 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: ₦1,530
Selling Rate: ₦1,520

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.

Naira

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 17th May 2024

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 17th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,540.

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki fx, US dollar to Nigerian Naira exchange rate as of May 17th, 2024 stood at 1 USD to ₦1,540.

Recent data from Bureau De Change (BDC) reveals that buyers in the Lagos Parallel Market purchased a dollar for ₦1,560 and sold it at ₦1,550 on Thursday, May 16th, 2024.

This indicates a slight improvement in the Naira exchange rate 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: ₦1,540
Selling Rate: ₦1,530

Forex

SEC and ABCON Explore Collaboration for ‘Kolectyomoni’ Digital Currency Platform

Published

3 days ago

May 17, 2024

Samed Olukoya

The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has initiated talks with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to explore collaboration on its upcoming digital currency market platform, ‘Kolectyomoni’.

This move was underscored during an official visit by ABCON representatives to the newly appointed Director General of the SEC, Dr. Timi Agama. Aminu Gwadabe, President of ABCON, conveyed the association’s eagerness to engage with SEC to ensure the smooth operation of its digital currency platform.

Gwadabe emphasized that ABCON recognizes the regulatory oversight of SEC in the financial sector and seeks its guidance to navigate the complexities of the digital currency market.

He pointed out that while digital currencies hold immense potential for financial inclusion and innovation, they also present regulatory challenges that require collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Highlighting the significance of embracing digital currencies, Gwadabe noted, “The future of BDC’s business is digital currency.”

He stressed the growing adoption of digital currencies among Nigerians, citing statistics that reveal a rising number of participants in the digital currency ecosystem, with a substantial market size of $9 billion annually.

In response, Dr. Timi Agama expressed SEC’s openness to support and facilitate the growth of the digital currency sector in Nigeria.

He acknowledged ABCON’s initiative in launching the ‘Kolectyomoni’ platform and assured of SEC’s cooperation in providing regulatory guidance and oversight.

Agama reaffirmed SEC’s commitment to fostering innovation in the financial sector while ensuring investor protection and market integrity.

He underscored the importance of collaboration between regulators and industry players to develop robust frameworks that foster innovation and safeguard against potential risks.

Furthermore, Agama encouraged ABCON to finalize the development of the ‘Kolectyomoni’ digital currency platform and submit it to the SEC for thorough review and assessment by the technical team.

He emphasized the need for timely regulatory oversight to address emerging trends in the digital currency market and maintain regulatory compliance.