Nigerian Firms Forecast Further Naira Depreciation

A recent Central Bank of Nigeria survey reveals that Nigerian businesses expect the naira to weaken further before strengthening in late 2024 or early 2025. This pessimism comes despite the CBN injecting millions into the forex market. The naira’s depreciation has fueled inflation, sparking protests. While most businesses are pessimistic about the naira’s immediate future, … Read more

Nigeria Acts to Defend Naira After Currency Hits New Record Low

The Central Bank of Nigeria recently sold U.S. dollars to Bureaux de Change (BDC) at a flat rate of NGN1,450 per greenback. The central bank stated that eligible BDCs can sell the dollars to end-users at a margin of no more than 1.5% above the purchase exchange rate. The Nigerian apex bank disclosed that it … Read more

Nigeria’s Naira Rated Worst-Performing Currency in H1 of 2024; Kenyan Shilling Named Best Performer

In the first half of 2024, the Nigerian currency depreciated by nearly 40%, making it the worst-performing currency during that period. Meanwhile, the Kenyan shilling appreciated by 20.7%, ranking it as the best performer. The depreciation of the Nigerian naira was primarily driven by U.S. dollar shortages. Naira Falls for 9 Straight Days The Nigerian … Read more

Nigeria Announces New Cash Withdrawal Restrictions — ATMs Limited to Less Than $44 per Day

In a new directive to financial institutions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said individuals can now only withdraw an equivalent of just under $222 per week while corporates can only withdraw cash not exceeding $1,111 during the same period. The new limits, which are in line with the CBN’s cashless policy, are set to … Read more

Nigerian Currency Gains Versus US Dollar Days After Tapping All-Time Low

Just a few days after plummeting to its worst exchange rate against the U.S. dollar ever, the Nigerian currency was trading at around 820 units for every dollar on Nov. 8, a report has said. An economist has suggested that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s controversial currency plan is unlikely to halt the naira’s depreciation … Read more

Nigerian Currency Redesign Controversy: Naira Slips by Almost 20%, Experts See Exchange Rate Reaching 1,000:1 USD Before Year End

The Nigerian currency appeared to accelerate its decline versus the U.S. dollar after it slipped to a new low of 900 naira for every dollar. The currency has continued to depreciate even after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s raid on suspected illegal foreign exchange dealers. Continuing U.S. Dollar Shortages Following the Oct. 27 announcement … Read more

Nigeria’s Central Bank Doubles Down on Plans to Introduce Newly Designed Naira Banknotes

The Nigerian central bank was, on Oct. 29, forced to defend its controversial currency redesign plans, just a few days after they were publicly questioned by Nigerian Finance Minister Zainab Ahmad. The central bank insists the move is long overdue and urged Nigerians “to support the currency redesign project which is in the overall interest … Read more

Nigerian Central Bank Says It Will Release New Banknotes in December — Naira Falls to New Low

Starting December 15, Nigerians will be using newly-designed 100, 200, 500 and 1,000-naira banknotes, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. The announcement has since resulted in the naira’s parallel market exchange rate versus the U.S. dollar dropping to a new low of N781:$1. Redesigning Currency a Global Best Practice The … Read more