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CBN Clears $7bn Valid FX Backlog

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has achieved a significant milestone by settling all valid foreign exchange backlogs amounting to $7 billion, fulfilling a crucial promise made by Governor Olayemi Cardosoo.

Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, confirmed this achievement in Abuja on Wednesday, highlighting the meticulous assessment conducted by independent auditors from Deloitte Consulting to ensure the legitimate claims were honored.

In a bid to bolster economic credibility and confidence, the CBN recently completed a $1.5 billion payment to meet obligations to bank customers, effectively eradicating the residual balance of the FX backlog.

Governor Cardoso emphasized the strategic importance of prioritizing the clearance of the FX backlog during a recent meeting, signaling a positive step towards restoring faith in the Nigerian economy.

He said “We made clearing the FX backlog a priority to restore credibility and confidence in the Nigerian economy. It was important that we go through an independent and credible process that would determine the authenticity of those obligations, and, at this point, I can tell you that we have now cleared all genuine, verifiable transactions.

“This encumbrance to market confidence in the country’s ability to meet its obligations is now totally behind us.”

The recent clearance of the foreign exchange transactions backlog aligns with the comprehensive strategy outlined during last month’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate to mitigate imported inflation and enhance confidence in the banking system and the economy.

Governor Cardoso leveraged the MPC meeting and subsequent conference calls with foreign portfolio investors to articulate expectations for sustained growth in Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves and enhanced liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

The CBN further reported a substantial surge in external reserves, surging by $993 million to reach $34.11 billion as of March 7, 2024, marking the highest level attained in eight months.

The notable month-on-month increase in external reserves was propelled by a significant uptick in remittance payments from Nigerians abroad, coupled with increased acquisitions of local assets, particularly government debt securities, by foreign investors.

 

 

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Naira Slumps 4.60% Against Dollar

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Naira To Dollar Exchanges At N464.67

In a sharp turn of events, the Nigerian Naira took a significant tumble on Tuesday, plunging to N1,416.57 against the US dollar at the official market.

This staggering drop of N62.36 from the previous trading day represents a 4.60 percent loss, sparking concerns among investors and analysts alike.

Data from the FMDQ Exchange, overseeing the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), revealed this unsettling trend.

Despite the currency’s downward spiral, trading activity surged, with the daily turnover soaring to $160.77 million, compared to Monday’s $84.83 million.

Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira’s performance remained volatile, trading between N1,445 and N1,301 against the dollar, underscoring the currency’s precarious position in the market.

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Dangote Restates Commitment To Host Communities’ Capacity Building

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Dangote Tackle forex shortage with sugar

The management of Dangote Cement Plc., Ibese Plant has assured that it would continue to complement the efforts of the Ogun State Government in the development of its host communities through capacity building for the people, especially the youths.

In a statement, the company declared its commitment to development for the prosperity of the people and host communities for which it is placing a premium on the developmental needs of the communities and empowerment of their indigenes.

During a capacity development workshop for Host Community Representatives, General Manager, Human Asset Management/Admin, Aina Olugbenga, said, Dangote Cement remained committed to implementing value-adding empowerment programs to uplift the people and develop the host communities.

The workshop themed: “Team Building, Inclusivity and Stewardship, a panacea to effective Community Representatives” according to him, was to equip the Community reps with the right skills to offer quality representation for their people. He stated: this capacity building workshop is aimed at developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, and abilities of the communities through their representatives adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world.

Olugbenga noted that the workshop is part of the management’s strategy to improve relationships with the host communities and urged the participants to leverage the knowledge acquired from the workshop to improve service delivery to their people and the Cement plant.

According to him, Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant is committed to building the capacity of the people and institutions in the communities by identifying skill gaps and partnering to up their skills for economic prosperity. This, he stated, was in anticipation that other stakeholders will continue to play their part by partnering and supporting the Company to ensure peaceful co-existence and shared prosperity for all.

Said he, “Apart from reciprocating the good gesture of Dangote Cement by ensuring peace at all times and keeping an open and trusting mind towards the organization, we also desire from our community leaders and representatives who are present here, the ownership of all Social Investment programme, be it training or infrastructure because they are meant for the betterment of our people.”

On behalf of the Community Representatives, Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka thanked the Dangote Cement management for the workshop while assuring continued commitment to effective, efficient and selfless discharge of their roles and responsibilities to their various communities and the Plant.

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JUST IN: NDIC Boosts Deposit Insurance For Banks

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The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has announced revisions to the Maximum Deposit Insurance Coverage for banks operating within the country.

NDIC’s Managing Director, Bello Hassan, disclosed the updated coverage benchmarks during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

The coverage for Deposit Money Banks has been increased from N500,000 to N5 million, for Microfinance Banks from N200,000 to N2 million, for Primary Mortgage Banks from N500,000 to N2 million, and for Mobile Money Operators subscribers’ pass-through from N500,000 to N5 million per subscriber.

Hassan underscored that the objective of the update is to enhance depositor safety, foster public trust, promote the inclusivity of financial services, and ensure the overall stability of the financial sector.

 

 

More to follow.. . .. . 

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