Naira Appreciates to N1,433/$ At Official Rate

Patrick OdeyFebruary 7, 2024

1 minute read

In a perplexing turn of events, the Naira exhibited a rollercoaster ride against the US dollar, veering downwards despite recent interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to FMDQ data, the Naira depreciated to N1,433.89 per US dollar on Tuesday, marking a 0.98% or 14.03 depreciation from Monday’s closing rate of N1,419.86.

Interestingly, the parallel market told a different tale, as the Naira gained ground, maintaining a steady rate of 1,410 per US dollar on Tuesday, mirroring the previous day’s performance. This divergence adds intrigue to the dynamics of the foreign exchange landscape.

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, addressed the House of Representatives, revealing a surge in the country’s exchange market transactions to a historic $800 million, following the central bank’s recent policy interventions. These interventions included the issuance of ‘Financial Markets Price Transparency and Market Notice,’ contributing to the Naira’s fluctuation from N891.90 per US dollar on January 26th to N1,410.

Furthermore, the CBN implemented guidelines aimed at curbing foreign currency hoarding and speculation, accompanied by fresh directives for International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) in Nigeria. Notably, the cap on the exchange rate quoted by IMTOs was lifted, marking a significant move in the bid to stabilize the currency.

As the Naira’s journey unfolds amidst these policy reforms, the intricacies of the forex market fluctuations take center stage, revealing a complex interplay of economic forces and regulatory measures. The CBN’s efforts to navigate these challenges shape the narrative of Nigeria’s currency landscape, leaving observers eagerly anticipating the next moves in this financial symphony.