Audio By Carbonatix
Central bank intervention this week failed to stop slide in Nigeria’s naira to a two-month low ahead of a rate decision Monday.
The naira weakened 5.1% on Thursday to 1,533.99, the weakest level against the dollar since March 20, according to prices provided by FMDQ, the trading platform that sets the official rate. That reversed a 4% gain the previous day as after the central bank sold dollars in the market to boost liquidity.
The Central Bank of Nigeria intervened to the tune of $80 million to $100 million, according to Samir Gadio, head of Africa strategy at Standard Chartered Bank. This helped liquidity in the foreign exchange market more than double to $289 million on Wednesday. The central also sold dollars on Monday.
The government of President Bola Tinubu, who completes a year in office on May 29, devalued the naira twice in the past year in a bid to lure investors and restore the currency’s credibility. Still, the local unit has been volatile. It appreciated 40% from mid-March to early April before weakening 24% over the past month.
“Market participants may still be concerned” about the $1.3 billion of naira futures contracts maturing in late May, Gadio said. “The key question now is whether most offshore investors holding the May futures contract will buy dollars or reinvest naira proceeds in local debt,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
Bawumia urges unity after NPP regional elections ahead of 2028
17 minutes -
Russia says at least seven killed in largest Ukrainian attack of 2026
19 minutes -
Ghana and Netherlands sign pact to combat illicit drugs and drug markets
19 minutes -
Akandoh warns Boards against interfering in day-to-day management of health institutions
28 minutes -
Rev. Prof. Frederick Amevenku elected 15th Moderator of E.P. Church Ghana
43 minutes -
Photos: Nkwa Hia Fit & Free Health Walk 2026
50 minutes -
A person stopped by police can record for evidence – NRSA
2 hours -
New Road Traffic Law introduces separate licensing regime for commercial drivers
2 hours -
Ghana must move beyond enforcement to tackle road deaths – Appiah Kusi Adomako
2 hours -
Kusi Adomako calls for road crashes to be declared a public health emergency
2 hours -
Ghana makes history with international karting debut
3 hours -
Playback: The Law discussed new road traffic rules
3 hours -
What’s driving men to get penis fillers, despite the risks?
3 hours -
The world’s oldest president left for a ‘brief stay’ in Europe, he hasn’t returned in two months
4 hours -
Trapped driver rescued after accident on Kintampo–Tamale highway
4 hours