Nairametrics can confirm that the exchange rate between the naira and dollar has depreciated to N390/$1 at the FMDQOTC NAFEX market, an official market where the exchange rate is traded.
We first observed the depreciation in our daily market survey on Thursday, November 26th when it traded at N390/$1. The rate remained the same today confirming that it is not a one-off. The exchange rate closed at N390.25/$1 on Friday after trading at a high price of N400.37 and a low price of N383/$1. The exchange rate at the NAFEX market has traded between N383 and N385 per dollar respectively.
CBN Devalues
A recent circular seen by Nairametrics, also suggests the CBN has devalued the exchange rate between the dollar and naira sold to the BDC’s to N390/$1. The circular also mandates the BDCs to sell to potential buyers at N392/$1. The volume of sales for each market is $10,000 per BDC.
See excerpt of the circular:
Please be advised that the applicable exchange rate for the disbursement of proceeds of IMTOs, for the period Monday, November 30th to Friday, December 14, 2020, is as follows.
I. IMTSOs to banks – N388/1USD
II. Banks to CBN – N399/1USD
III. CBN to BDCs – N390/1USD
IV. BDCs to end-users Not more than N392/1USD
V. Volumes of sale for each market is USD10,000.00 per BDC
The circular seen by Nairametrics was signed by Dr O.S. Nnaji, Director of Trade and Exchange at the CBN, and dated November 30th, 2020. We also understand the CBN intervened in the market today at a spot price of N393.37/$1 while it’s 150 days forward rates moved to N399.37 in a bid to clear backlogs. Nairametrics estimated pent-up demand could be between $2 billion and $3.5 billion.
