Currency Speculators Win as Naira Trades Flat for First Time in Two Months

Currency Speculators Win as Naira Trades Flat for First Time in Two Months

  • The Nigerian currency experienced a marginal gain in the Foreign exchange market on Friday, May 3, 2024
  • Traders at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) quoted the dollar at N1,400 per dollar as against the N1,402 traded a day earlier
  • The naira has experienced a consistent decline in the last two weeks since CBN stopped selling dollars to BDC operators

Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.

The Nigerian naira traded at its lowest in the official Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).

Some traders sold the dollar at N1,410 per dollar in various areas across Nigeria on Friday, May 3, 2024, as demand increased amid dollar scarcity.

Naira experiences marginal recovery
Traders sell the dollar at new rates as CBN stops intervention Credit: Bloomberg/Contributor
Source: Getty Images

More people demand dollars

Some traders said the demand came from individuals who needed the dollars for businesses, personal travel, or imports.

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Again, CBN adjusts Customs exchange rates for cargo clearance as naira crashes against dollar

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At the official FMDQ Exchange, the naira exchanged for N1,400.40 per dollar as against the N1,402 it was quoted on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The official window witnessed increased shifts in currency values. Traders quoted the dollar at an intraday high of N1,435 per dollar and a low of N1,300.40.

Despite various measures the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took to enhance FX liquidity, pressure on the naira continued.

The Nigerian currency witnessed its best moment in April 2024, when it emerged as the best-performing currency in the world.

CBN says dollar supply improved in two months

The CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the Nigerian forex market is experiencing robust activities, with turnover reaching a seven-year high. He stated that the liquidity boost inspires confidence among investors, businesses, and other partners, ensuring enough fluidity in their interactions with Nigeria’s forex market.

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Nigerians to pay more for iPhone, cars as CBN increases Customs dollar rate to clear goods at ports

The CEO of the Centre Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Muda Yusuf, said that the apex bank might even lack the capacity to allow the currency to float due to the imperfections in the economy.

The dollar index declined against six major currencies, hitting its lowest since April 11 at about 105.2 index points.

The decline marks a one per cent drop over the week, showing the potential for the dollar to experience its most substantial weekly loss in almost two months.

CBN adjusts customs exchange rates

Legit.ng earlier reported that despite expert advice, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again adjusted the Customs exchange rates for cargo at Nigerian ports.

The apex bank fixed the exchange rate for Customs duty collection at N1,441.53 per dollar from the N1,373.64 it fixed the rate two days ago.

The figure represents an increase of N61 from the former amount

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Traders sell dollar at new exchange rate as naira bounces back in forex markets

Source: Legit.ng

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