By Cecilia Attah
In a significant move aimed at revitalizing the Nigerian economy and alleviating financial strain on banks and airlines, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has undertaken the task of clearing over $10 billion in foreign exchange backlogs held by commercial banks and foreign airlines.
This follows the recent announcement by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stating that the country is poised to receive an influx of $10 billion in foreign currency, aimed at alleviating the ongoing forex crisis.
This strategic initiative marks the resolution of outstanding foreign exchange (FX) obligations between banks and airlines within the country.
This proactive measure is poised to infuse vitality into Nigeria’s financial sector and offer much-needed relief for businesses, particularly airlines, grappling with challenges arising from foreign exchange scarcity. It is part of the CBN’s broader efforts to enhance liquidity in the forex market and stabilize the national currency, the naira.
The decision to clear these forex backlogs holds immense significance for airlines and other businesses struggling due to the scarcity of foreign exchange in Nigeria. With the elimination of these backlogs, these enterprises can access the necessary foreign exchange to conduct their operations smoothly. This move is also expected to alleviate pressure on the naira and improve its exchange rate against the dollar.
This initiative aligns with the CBN’s recent efforts to unify exchange rates and reduce pressure on the naira. Additionally, the recent lifting of the ban on 43 previously restricted items from accessing forex in the official market, such as rice, cement, and various other products, further underscores the positive trajectory of these measures.
The CBN’s decision comes in response to the persistent forex challenges faced by various sectors of the economy due to the global economic slowdown and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that this move will enhance investor confidence, promote economic stability, and stimulate growth in critical sectors such as the airline industry.
Airlines, severely affected by forex scarcity, are set to benefit significantly from this development, the shortage of foreign exchange had hindered their ability to source spare parts, pay for aircraft maintenance, and meet international obligations.
Foreign airlines, hindered from repatriating more than $700 million in ticket funds, encountered difficulties resulting in flight suspensions. Notably, this clearance situation has spurred positive outcomes; Emirates Airlines, which had suspended its flights from Nigeria last year, is now poised to resume operations in December and has lifted its visa restrictions as a result.
With the clearance of the backlogs, airlines can expect improved liquidity and operational stability, which is crucial for the industry’s recovery.
Due to this development, the naira saw a rise on the parallel market, reaching N1,125/$ on Thursday, surpassing the previous day’s closing rate of N1,175/$. However, in the official I&E window, the national currency closed at N793.28/$, slightly down from the Wednesday rate of N786.02/$. The official I&E window reported a daily volume turnover of $136.11 million, marking a 28.45% increase from the $105.98 million recorded on Tuesday.
The clearing of the FX backlog by the CBN with banks and airlines is anticipated to have a profoundly positive impact on the Nigerian economy, by resolving the shortage of foreign exchange, businesses reliant on imports will experience enhanced economic activities. Moreover, the initiative is expected to bolster investor confidence, paving the way for increased investments in Nigeria, thereby driving economic growth.
Although the actions initiated by the CBN offer immediate relief, it is crucial to maintain a vigilant watch over the long-term viability of these measures.
Analysts and stakeholders eagerly anticipate a comprehensive disclosure of the strategies employed by the central bank to achieve this accomplishment, they are particularly interested in understanding the potential impact on the nation’s foreign reserves and overall economic well-being.
Market observers and experts are keenly awaiting additional communication from the CBN to gain insights into the operational details of this initiative.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the full impact of the CBN’s decision may not be immediate. Historical data from Nigeria suggests that changes in monetary policy typically take several months to affect output. Additionally, previous CBN policies have yielded mixed results, affecting various economic sectors and contributing to fluctuations in GDP growth.
In conclusion, as Nigeria clears its forex backlog, the nation stands on the brink of economic revitalization. The stabilized forex market will enable businesses to plan their operations more effectively, leading to increased productivity and job creation. While challenges and uncertainties remain, the CBN’s decision is expected to set the stage for sustainable economic growth, allowing Nigeria to regain its economic momentum and enhance its global standing.
