The naira exchange rate against the dollar was steady at N1,200 to dollar for the past 24 hours at the parallel market.

Yesterday’s closing rate was same with Tuesday’s rate, indicating easing pressure in the forex market.

The local currency has of recent commenced rapid recovery, as volatility in the market dropped after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) commenced dollar sales to bureau de change operators.

The CBN recently directed that all authorized dealers to pay Personal and Business Travel, allowances (PTA/BTA) to their customers through electronic channels only, including debit or credit cards instead of cash.

“In line with the Bank’s commitment to ensure transparency and stability in the foreign exchange market and avoid foreign exchange malpractices, All Authorized Dealer Banks shall henceforth effect payout of PTA/BTA through electronic channels only, including debit or credit cards. For the avoidance of doubt, payment of PTA/BTA by cash is no longer permitted,” the bank said.

Importers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the necessary funds from the official FX market and black market.

Legitimate needs driving the demand include Form A applications for Business Travel Allowance (BTA), Personal Travel Allowance (PTA), school fees, and medical fees. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are also grappling with the scarcity, as highlighted by the use of Form Q.

“The problem is that dollars are scarce in the market. People are not bringing dollars and demand is so high that is why the price is going up,” a street trader told Business Day on Tuesday morning.

Former Executive Director, Keystone Bank Limited, Richard Obire advised that Nigeria’s heavy and skewed outward-oriented consumption of goods and services as seen in decades of long substantial bills for food and energy imports should be reversed to save the naira.

Also, the massive corruption-driven capital outflows which in turn severely damages Nigeria’s capacity to produce at scale that will enable the country to fully engage its large population to create widespread prosperity works against the naira.

On ways to strengthen the naira, he advised that in the short-term, there is need to find non-market damaging ways to increase the supply of hard currencies and reducing the demand for same.

He said that insecurity hampering food production needs to be tackled with a sense of urgency and effectiveness.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials

“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.

Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation

______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

______________________________________________________________________