TheCable

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that it would increase the amount of forex apportioned to Bureau de Change operators (BDCs) to $10,000 weekly from $8,000.

This action comes after directors from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised the apex bank for easing foreign exchange restrictions in Nigeria.

“Directors underscored that external adjustment is necessary to protect foreign currency buffers and reduce vulnerabilities,” IMF said in a statement after its Article IV consultations in Nigeria.

They commended the recent easing of some exchange restrictions and urged the authorities to remove the remaining restrictions and multiple currency practices, thus unifying the foreign exchange market and helping regain investor confidence.

“Directors emphasized that these policies should be supported by tighter monetary policy and fiscal consolidation to anchor inflation expectations and to limit the risk of exchange rate overshooting, as well as structural reforms to improve competitiveness.”

In a statement signed by Isaac Okorafor, the apex bank said it would announce new rates on Monday, April 3.

“In continuation of its determination to sustain liquidity in the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to inform market participants and the general public that it will commence twice weekly forex sales to Bureaux de Change(BDCs) from Monday, April 3, 2017.

“Licensed BDC operators are therefore required to fund their accounts with the CBN on Mondays and Wednesdays, while they receive their purchases on Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively.

“The sale amount to BDCs is hereby increased to $10,000 weekly ($5,000 per bid) and a new rate will be announced on Monday, April 3, 2017.”

On Monday, March 27, CBN announced new rates for commercial banks, directing them to sell at 360 to a dollar as against previous rates of 375.