Business

Nigeria’s FX Reserves Hit $34.7bn

Published

11 months ago

July 7, 2024

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have reached a high of $34.7bn, according to data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website by The PUNCH on Sunday.

This represents an increase of $110m from the previous day’s figure of $34.5bn.

The reserves have been steadily increasing over the past week, with a total gain of $316m since July 1..

This growth has been attributed to several factors, including the recent increase in oil prices, improved diaspora remittances, and the Central Bank’s efforts to stabilise the currency.

Experts believe that the increase in foreign exchange reserves is a positive development for Nigeria’s economy, as it provides a cushion against external shocks and supports the country’s ability to meet its financial obligations.

A recent Fitch Ratings has placed Nigeria’s economic outlook to positive, citing significant reforms that have restored macroeconomic stability and enhanced policy coherence and credibility.

Fitch said, “The positive outlook partly reflects reforms over the last year, which have reduced distortions stemming from previous unconventional monetary and exchange rate policies.”

The Central Bank has implemented various measures to manage the foreign exchange market, including the introduction of the Investors’ and Exporters’ window, which has helped to attract foreign investment and boost reserves.

The reforms have led to a return of sizeable inflows to the official foreign exchange market and a significant rise in foreign portfolio investment inflows.

However, Fitch noted that short-term challenges remain, including high inflation and FX market volatility. Despite this, the agency expects further monetary policy tightening and strengthening of monetary policy transmission.

“The reforms have contributed to the restoration of macroeconomic stability and enhanced policy coherence and credibility.

“However, we see significant short-term challenges, notably high inflation, and the FX market has yet to stabilize, and the durability of the commitment to reform is to be tested,” Fitch stated.

Business

Naira Appreciates At Official Market

Published

1 week ago

May 24, 2025

Editor

The Naira, which has seen steady appreciation against the Dollar all week, closed stronger on Friday, trading at ₦1,580.44 in the official forex market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website show the Naira gained ₦4.51k against the Dollar on Friday alone.

This marks a 0.28 per cent appreciation from Thursday’s closing rate of ₦1,584.95 in the official foreign exchange window.

The local currency maintained consistent strength throughout the week, recording gains daily.

On Monday, May 19, it traded at ₦1,598.68; on Tuesday, at ₦1,590.45; and on Wednesday, at ₦1,584.49.

These gains suggest increased investor confidence and improved forex supply, contributing to the naira’s performance.

Meanwhile, the CBN, at its 300th Monetary Policy Committee meeting held Monday and Tuesday, retained the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.5 per cent.

Business

BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2025

Editor

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a nationwide reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with new prices now ranging between ₦875 and ₦905 per litre, depending on location.

The ₦15 per litre cut applies across all regions and partner fuel stations, and was confirmed via an official announcement posted on Dangote Refinery’s social media channels on Thursday.

Major marketers participating in the new pricing regime include MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy — partners in the distribution of Dangote-refined products.

Under the previous pricing structure, Lagos residents paid ₦890 per litre, while prices reached ₦920 in the North-East and South-South regions. With the latest adjustment, Lagos now pays ₦875 per litre, while the North-East and South-South will see prices drop to ₦905.

A regional breakdown of the revised prices is as follows: Lagos: ₦875, South-West: ₦885, North-West & Central: ₦895, North-East & South-South: ₦905 and South-East: ₦905.

In its announcement, Dangote Refinery encouraged consumers to purchase fuel only from authorised partner stations and urged the public to report any cases of non-compliance via its official hotlines: +234 707 470 2099 and +234 707 470 2100.

“Our quality petrol and diesel are refined for better engine performance and are environmentally friendly,” the company said.

Business

Naira Appreciates Against Dollar At Foreign Exchange Market

Published

2 weeks ago

May 17, 2025

Editor

The Naira ended the trading week on a positive note, recording a bullish close on Friday at the official foreign exchange market.

It appreciated N1,598.72 against the U.S. Dollar, reflecting a modest gain that suggests continued efforts to stabilise the local currency.

According to figures published on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official website, the Naira strengthened by N0.60k against the Dollar on Friday.

This upward movement represents a 0.03 per cent appreciation compared to the N1,599.32 exchange rate recorded at the close of trading on Thursday.

The local currency had shown some resilience earlier in the week, posting gains on both Tuesday and Wednesday trading sessions.

On Tuesday, the Naira appreciated by 0.02 per cent, followed by a stronger gain of 0.21 per cent on Wednesday.

These improvements were seen as positive indicators of growing investor confidence and increased supply in the foreign exchange market.

However, Thursday’s trading session saw a minor setback, with the Naira slipping by N2.62 against the Dollar.

This loss equated to a 0.16 per cent depreciation, dampening the midweek rally seen in previous sessions.

Market analysts attributed Thursday’s dip to a brief increase in Dollar demand from importers and other market participants.

Despite this, the week still closed on a positive note, with the Naira showing signs of gradual recovery and increased market stability.

Analysts continue to monitor the Central Bank’s policies, especially interventions aimed at improving Dollar liquidity and managing demand pressures.

The Naira’s performance in the coming weeks will likely depend on consistent supply inflows and investor sentiment across the broader economic landscape.