Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected approximately US $61.64 million into the hands of foreign airlines operating in the country, a move intended to send the Naira soaring.
This targeted dollar release aimed at clearing a portion of the backlog of matured foreign exchange obligations owed to the airlines, is a big step towards stabilizing the country’s forex market and boosting investor confidence.
The Acting Director of CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali confirmed this development on Sunday described it as a welcome relief to foreign airlines struggling with delayed forex access.
In the past three months alone, the Apex Bank has redeemed a staggering US$2 billion in outstanding forward liabilities.
The measure is expected to have a ripple effect by alleviating the current pressure on the Naira’s exchange rate, as well as enable a considerable strengthening of the Naira against major world currencies as a result of the CBN’s intervention.
According to Hakama Sidi-Ali, “These payments signify the CBN’s ongoing efforts to settle all remaining valid forward transactions, with the aim of alleviating the current pressure on the country’s exchange rate.
“It is anticipated that this initiative by the CBN should provide a considerable boost to the Naira against other major world currencies and further increase investor confidence in the Nigeria economy,” he addressed.
