The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started clearing backlogs of foreign exchange (FX) forward contract through some banks as part of efforts to rebuild confidence in the Nigerian economy.
Reuters quoted the spokesperson of the apex bank, Dr. Isah Abdulmumin, to have confirmed the development yesterday adding that banking sources said an initial payment of $1 billion had been made.
President Tinubu, while declaring open the 29th edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja last week Monday, stated: “All foreign exchange future contracts will be honoured by this government. I assure you we have a line of sight to the foreign exchange we need to refloat this economy, and we will get it.”
The President who allayed the fears of the business community, assured them that crucial plans are underway to improve foreign exchange liquidity. He said his administration will honour every legitimate contract with respect to the nation’s foreign exchange obligations
Speaking to Reuters, Abdulmumin said, “The CBN has started paying the FX backlogs to banks. So far, 14 banks have been paid.” but declined to give the amount or name the banks.
But according to Reuters, four banking sources said the banks were paid varying amounts totalling about $1 billion and that the payments would continue in the next few weeks.
It added that while a few of the banks were paid the entire amount owed, others got as much as 80% of backlog.
