Naira falls to N1200/$ in parallel market, gains 11% in NAFEM
Naira falls 18% to N951.22/$ in NAFEM

The naira depreciated yesterday to N1,1200 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,172 per dollar on Wednesday.

However, the naira yesterday appreciated to N843.07 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N843.07 per dollar from N951.22 per dollar on Wednesday, indicating 11 percent or N108.15 appreciation for the naira.

As a result, the gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates widened to N356.93 per dollar yesterday from N220.78 per dollar on Wednesday.

Mr. Yakubu Ahmed, a black market trader said high demand for dollars still persists despite traders’ anticipation of a positive change in the trend of the foreign exchange rate.

“There is still high demand for dollars but little access to it. I sold a dollar today for N1,200 and bought for N1,180.

“Though we anticipate a positive change from the current trend of depreciation of the naira.

“But most traders are still worried that the naira might be in a falling trend for a long period due to decline in foreign exchange inflows which is also affecting the official market.”

President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration has removed all obstacles hindering businesses in Nigeria.

Tinubu said this while speaking to international investors on Monday, in Berlin, Germany.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.

Tinubu also told the international investors that beyond Nigeria’s natural resources, the people of Nigeria, who are highly educated, highly skilled, and naturally industrious, are the primary asset and advantage the country wields over other nations in the global race for new investments.

The Nigerian leader noted that while promoting the rule of law is crucial for attracting foreign investments, Nigeria’s energetic youth population and well-educated populace represent the greatest incentive provided to investors toward the mutually-beneficial replication of China’s economic resurgence.

“We are dogged in our pursuit of natural gas development today, in tandem with hydrogen production for tomorrow. The world knows Nigeria as a leader in the energy sector. Our vast gas deposits and business-friendly environment make us an attractive investment destination.

“But we are going a step further now. We are creating fiscal responsibility and tax reforms as we reform our financial institutions to expeditiously accommodate foreign investments,” Tinubu said.

”We are eager and ready to partner with you. We have the youngest, largest, and most vibrant youth population in Africa. Equally, we have every ingredient required in the making of a modern economy: a well-educated population, a massive market, and the political will to bring it all together under my leadership.

“Nigeria has consolidated on its democracy with several consecutive handovers of power. There is stability and predictability in the socio-political development of our country, which provides a conducive atmosphere for business operations and investment. Your money is safe.

“Since I assumed office in May 2023, we have embarked on transformative changes, removing all obstacles hindering businesses. We are reforming the economy based on the principle and philosophy of good governance,” Tinubu said.