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Economy

CBN gives major reason for revoking over 4,000 operational licenses of BDCs

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CBN has revealed the major reason why the apex bank revoked 4,173 Bureau De Change operators’ licences.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday revoked the licences of 4,173 Bureau De Change operators over their failure to meet regulatory guidelines.

This online news platform understands that the apex bank disclosed this in a statement by its acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Hakama.

This means there will now be 1,517 operational BDCs from the initial 5,690.

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In the CBN statement, Hakama said the licence withdrawal was in exercise of the powers conferred on the apex bank by the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, Act No. 5, and the Revised Operational Guidelines for Bureaux De Change, 2015.

The statement read in part, “The Central Bank of Nigeria, in the exercise of the powers conferred on it under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020, Act No. 5, and the Revised Operational Guidelines for Bureaux De Change, 2015, has revoked the licences of 4,173 Bureaux De Change Operators.

 

“The list of affected BDC operators is available on the Bank’s website (www.cbn.gov.ng).”

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It added that the affected institutions failed to observe at least one of the regulatory provisions.

According to the statement, the regulatory provisions include payment of all necessary fees, including licence renewal, within the stipulated period.

It added, “The affected institutions failed to observe at least one of the following regulatory provisions: Payment of all necessary fees, including licence renewal, within the stipulated period in line with the guidelines.

“Rendition of returns in line with the guidelines; compliance with guidelines, directives, and circulars of the CBN, particularly Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing regulations.

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“The CBN is revising the regulatory and supervisory guidelines for Bureau de Change operations in Nigeria. Compliance with the new requirements will be mandatory for all stakeholders in the sector when the revised guidelines become effective.

“Members of the public are hereby advised to take note and be guided accordingly.”

 

Recall that the CBN had recently introduced a draft guideline for BDC operations across the country.

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Major provisions introduced in the guidelines include the introduction of N2bn minimum share capital for Tier-1 BDCs, limiting buying and selling of forex in cash by BDCs to $500, and $10,000-year limit for school fees, among others.

Reacting to the development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, applauded the move to regulate the operations of the BDCs.

He said, “Definitely, revoking the licences of non-operational BDCs is the appropriate thing to do now. It is the right move because the previous number was difficult to manage and unwieldy.”

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Economy

SEE NAIRA Rates Against The USD, GBP, EURO Today October 15, 2024

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By Mario Deepromoter

WHEN we look at this month, USD was traded at ₦1690 at the beginning of this October on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. As at today with USD being traded at ₦1,699 we see a -16.89% decline for United States Dollar to Naira exchange rate for this month.

On this page, we are primarily focusing on the Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, the USD to Naira currency pair are the most traded currency in the FX market.

Black Market Exchange Rates
Buying Rate
Selling Rate
Dollar to Naira 1699 1688
Pounds to Naira 2252 2217
Euro to Naira 1854 1830
Canadian Dollar to Naira 1231 1223
Rand to Naira 52 43
Dirham to Naira ‎0 0
Yuan to Naira 62 62
G.Cedi to Nair 70 50
CFA F. (XOF) To Naira 0.83 0.81
CFA F. (XAF) To Naira 0.74 0.74

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Having full knowledge how much USD to NGN black market exchange rate today will give you a better opportunity to plan and make informed decisions.

Nairatoday com

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Economy

Naira Sinks to New Low in Parallel Market

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The Nigerian naira has tumbled to an unprecedented low, trading at N1,700 per dollar in the parallel market on October 14, 2024. This marks a 0.29% decline from its previous rate of N1,695/$1 recorded just days earlier, despite a surge in crude oil prices, which have now surpassed $80 per barrel.

While the parallel market saw a significant drop, the naira remained relatively stable in the official Investors and Exporters (I&E) window, closing at N1,641.27/$1. However, this still represents a 1.14% depreciation from its earlier rate of N1,622.57/$1.

The growing disparity between the official exchange rate and the parallel market continues to expose the pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange system.

The naira has experienced a steep decline throughout 2024, losing over 50% of its value since January, when it traded at N907.11/$1. By October, the currency had crossed the N1,500/$1 threshold. After a temporary recovery in March to N1,303/$1, the currency has been on a consistent downward slide.

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Key Data Points:
Parallel market rate: Naira dropped to N1,700 per dollar on October 14.
I&E window: Closed at N1,641.27/$1, marking a 1.15% drop from N1,622.57/$1.
Trading volume: Surged to $616.73 million, indicating rising demand for dollars.

Despite global oil prices climbing above $80 per barrel, the naira continues to weaken, largely due to a persistent shortage of dollars, inflationary pressures, and reliance on the parallel market. While higher oil prices would typically provide relief for oildependent economies, Nigeria’s foreign exchange system remains under strain.

Though the naira’s breach of N1,700/$1 is concerning, there is hope for a shortterm rebound. Rising oil prices and new economic policies aimed at curbing demand for foreign exchange may help stabilize the currency, with a potential return to the N1,600/$1 range. However, the broader economic environment, including inflation and forex supply, will determine the naira’s future trajectory.

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Economy

No cause for alarm as FG adopts 88 international standards for CNG vehicle safety

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The Federal Government says it has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas products to bolster the ongoing rollout of various CNG initiatives across the country.

It said this procedure will ensure a smooth implementation of CNG systems in vehicles and to ensure the use of quality products in Nigeria.

The Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the World Standards Day celebration in Abuja.

The annual celebration is themed, “Our Shared Vision for a Better World: Standards for Changing the Climate.”

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Okeke said the event was aimed at raising awareness about the impact of standards on industrialisation and economic growth.

Recently, there have been growing concerns regarding the conversion of fossil fuel-powered vehicles to CNG vehicles, particularly about the risks of explosions and other safety hazards associated with the use of CNG as a fuel source.

These apprehensions stem from reports of incidents where improperly installed or maintained CNG systems have led to dangerous situations, raising questions about the adequacy of safety regulations and the need for more rigorous oversight.

But reacting, the SON DG said the government adopted international standards to ensure that CNG products meet rigorous safety and quality benchmarks, ultimately supporting the broader transition to sustainable energy solutions.

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He said, “Standards are crucial in achieving these goals and in facilitating the development of renewable energy; energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

“The SON, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, has adopted 88 international standards for Compressed Natural Gas products to support the success of CNG initiatives.

“Additionally, the SON is a member of the committee developing the Natural Gas Vehicles Monitoring System, aimed at overseeing the implementation of CNG systems in vehicles and to ensure the use of quality products in Nigeria.”

The SON boss said the organisation has also conducted factory visits to China and India to certify CNG components in its quest for safety and quality assurance.

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“As we navigate the challenges of climate change, we must acknowledge that standards are vital for the successful implementation of mitigation strategies.

“Let me assure you that SON is dedicated to improving life through standardisation and quality assurance, fostering consumer confidence, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Made-in-Nigeria products.

“Through global collaboration, Standards bodies around the world align their activities with the Sustainable Development Goals for peace, prosperity and the welfare of people and the planet. International standards offer practical solutions which we must all identify with to become part of the solution since they are the backbone of global progress,” the statement concluded.

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