The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced the CBN “Naira 4 Dollar Scheme” as an incentive for senders and recipients of international money transfers.1 More specifically, all recipients of diaspora remittances through CBN licensed International Money Transfers Operators (IMOs) will be paid N5 per $1 received as remittance inflows in addition to the USD sent from abroad. This will however last from March 6, 2021 to May 8, 2021. The Naira 4 Dollar Scheme is being put in place to incentivize foreign exchange inflows into the country and increase foreign reserves. The scheme is likely to deter the CBN from further devaluing the currency following improved foreign exchange inflows. However, the effect of the scheme on Nigeria’s balance of payment account should be seriously considered in order not to push the country into further deficit.
March 24, 2021
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 10)
Related
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 16)
Recently
released World Economic Outlook by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
projects economic activities to increase significantly in developing countries-
especially Nigeria. Annual real output is expected to grow by 0.8 percent in
2017 from the contraction of 1.5 percent in 20161. Improvement in
economic activities is hinged on prospective favorable effects of continued
increase in commodity export price (Crude oil is expected to increase to $55
per barrel in 2017 compared to $46 in 2016).
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 40)
Global crude prices settled lower in the review week (September 29 to October 6, 2017). Precisely, a barrel of Brent crude sold for about $56, showing a 6.3 percent decrease. Nigerias Bonny light exchanged at $56.76 per barrel as at October 6, 2017. The draw down in price may be attributable to indications of higher output, as revealed by the addition of more production rigs by the U.S, rise in Iraqs crude exports and survey showing OPECs overall boosted supply.
Nigeria Economic Update (Issue 21)
Recent
data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that the value of
capital imported to Nigeria declined by 54.34 percent; from $1.56 billion
2015Q4to $710.97 million in 2016Q11. This is the lowest value since
the data was first released in 2007. Huge declines in Portfolio Investment
(71.54 percent) and other Investment (44.84 percent) were the major drivers of
the trend within the period. A myriad of factors have contributed to the
decline in investments. The plunge in crude oil prices, and the resultant negative
signals on investors confidence, was a key factor. This was exacerbated by the
FOREX restrictions and delays in the assentation of 2016 Appropriation Bill.
While the slight increases in oil prices and the recent signing of the budget
into law could improve the general economic prospects, monetary authorities need
to proffer solutions to the negative effects of the current FOREX restrictions
on investments.
Africa Economic Update (Issue 7)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) slightly revised upward growth projections for SubSaharan Africa by 0.1 percentage point in 2017 but retained growth estimates for 2018.1 Precisely, growth estimate in the region was increased from 2.6 percent in April 2017 forecast to 2.7 percent in July 2017 forecast, while it was retained at 3.5 percent for 2018. The slight upward revision in 2017 is attributable to an upgrade in South Africas growth prospect from 0.8 percent in April 2017 to 1.0 percent in July 2017. Despite the upward 2017 revision, 2018 forecast for South Africa was revised down from 1.6 percent in April 2017 to 1.2 percent in July 2017. Growth forecast for Nigeria remained unchanged at 0.8 percent and 1.9 percent for 2017 and 2018 respectively.