CBN Releases $500m to Address Verified FX Backlog

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released US$500 million to various sectors in effort to address the backlog of verified foreign exchange (forex) transactions.

This comes barely a week after the Bank paid approximately US $2.0 billion to settle outstanding commitments across manufacturing, aviation, and petroleum sectors.

The Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, stated this in Abuja on Monday, Janaury 29.

She noted that the Management of the CBN was committed to settling all legitimate forex backlogs within a short time frame.

Reiterating the assurances of the Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Sidi Ali said the CBN had begun implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange markets in the short, medium, and long term.

“As the Governor said, the CBN’s focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian forex markets over the years,” she added.

Sidi Ali noted that the forex market reforms were designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, foster transparency, and reduce arbitrage opportunities.

She expressed confidence that a stable exchange rate would boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.

She, therefore, urged all participants in the market to play by the rules. She aslo stressed that transparency in the market would enable the fair determination of exchange rates and, by extension, guarantee stability for businesses and individuals alike.