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Economy

WASTE! CBN Gov, deputies buy N10bn SUVs despite hunger, economic downturn

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has come under fire for recent expenditures reportedly amounting to several billions of naira, despite the ongoing economic challenges facing the country. The bank’s spending spree includes the acquisition of armoured vehicles and substantial allowances for its top officials.

According to reports from Daily Nigerian, the newly appointed CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, along with his four deputies, have acquired six armoured Lexus LX 600 vehicles, with each vehicle costing over N10 billion. The governor is said to have retained two of these luxury SUVs for use in Lagos and Abuja, while the deputies each received one. Additionally, the CBN reportedly purchased 20 Toyota Camry cars for its management and board members, worth an estimated N84 million.

Insider sources also claim that the governor and his deputies have significantly increased their annual housing allowances to approximately N1 billion, despite already residing in official government-provided residences in Abuja. Furthermore, these officials have allegedly upgraded their international travel privileges to first-class, with a nightly allowance of $7,000 for foreign trips.

The CBN’s top officials, including Emem Usoro, Philip Ikeazor, Bala Bello, and Sani Abdullahi, were nominated and confirmed by the Senate in September 2023. The bank’s recent spending has sparked outrage, particularly in light of the current economic difficulties in Nigeria, where many citizens struggle to afford basic necessities.

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The Lexus LX 600, according to information from www.fox7austin.com, is based on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser and is favored by government agencies and aid organizations in hostile regions. The armoured version of the vehicle is designed to withstand shots from a 7.62mm rifle and simultaneous blasts from two hand grenades, and it includes features like night vision cameras and escape hatches. The standard LX 600 starts at $88,245, while the armoured versions can exceed $200,000.

Efforts by Sahara Reporters to contact the CBN’s spokesperson, Hakama Sidi-Ali, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.

The bank’s lavish spending has raised serious questions about its priorities, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships.

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Economy

SEE Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate

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Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate
As of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar to the Nigerian naira at the Lagos Parallel Market commonly known as the black market or Aboki FX—stands as follows:

Buying Rate: ₦1,630 per dollar
Selling Rate: ₦1,635 per dollar
This information is based on data obtained from traders at Bureau De Change (BDC) outlets in Lagos.

Important Notice:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market as an official channel for foreign exchange transactions. Individuals and businesses seeking to access forex are advised to go through authorized financial institutions, such as commercial banks.

Dollar to Naira – Black Market Rate Today
Exchange Type Rate (₦)
Buying ₦1,630
Selling ₦1,635
Dollar to Naira – CBN Official Rate
At the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official window, the dollar exchanged at varying rates today:

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Highest Rate: ₦1,610
Lowest Rate: ₦1,597
Note:
Foreign exchange rates may differ depending on location, volume, and the dealer. The figures provided here are for informational purposes and may not reflect the exact rates offered to buyers or sellers in real-time.

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Economy

CBN launches new platform, targets $1bn monthly diaspora remittances

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, has launched the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number platform, an initiative aimed at enhancing financial access for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The platform, which enables Nigerians abroad to obtain their Bank Verification Number remotely, removes the need for physical presence in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, described the platform as a key milestone in the country’s financial inclusion journey.

He noted that the NRBVN would ease the long-standing challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora who previously had to be physically present in Nigeria for BVN registration.

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“For too long, many Nigerians abroad have faced difficulties accessing financial services at home due to physical verification requirements,” Cardoso said. “The NRBVN changes that. Through secure digital verification and robust Know Your Customer processes, Nigerians worldwide will now be able to access financial services more easily and affordably.”

The governor added that the NRBVN was not just a solution for financial access, but a step towards a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous financial ecosystem.

“We are building a secure, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem for Nigerians globally,” he remarked. “This platform is not just about financial access, it’s about national inclusion, innovation, and shared prosperity.”

Cardoso also highlighted the growth in remittance flows, which increased from $3.3bn in 2023 to $4.73bn in 2024. He attributed this rise to recent reforms, including the introduction of the willing buyer, willing seller FX regime.

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With the launch of the NRBVN, the CBN is targeting $1bn in monthly remittances.

“With the introduction of NRBVN and complementary policy measures, we are optimistic about achieving our ambitious target of $1bn in monthly remittance flows, a goal we believe is entirely achievable given the growing trust and convenience in formal remittance channels,” Cardoso said.

The event also featured a presentation by the Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS, Mr Premier Oiwoh, who detailed the technical and operational aspects of the NRBVN platform.

Oiwoh emphasised that the platform adheres to global standards, incorporating stringent Anti-Money Laundering and KYC compliance protocols to ensure transparency and security.

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The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, also addressed the gathering, describing the NRBVN as a transformative tool for enhancing the banking experience for Nigeria’s diaspora.

He urged stakeholders to collaborate in refining the platform to meet the evolving needs of the diaspora community.

He further emphasised that the initiative would strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and its global citizens, and ultimately drive sustainable economic growth.

“Together, we stand at the threshold of a new era, poised to deepen the trust, enhance remittance growth, and forge a stronger, more meaningful connection between Nigeria and its global citizens,” Abdullahi said.

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The NRBVN platform is part of a broader framework that includes the Non-Resident Ordinary Account and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, which provide Nigerians in the diaspora with access to savings, mortgages, insurance, pensions, and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s capital markets.

Under current regulations, diasporans will have the flexibility to repatriate the proceeds of their investments.

The launch of the NRBVN platform marks a crucial step in the CBN’s efforts to improve financial inclusion and harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s diaspora.

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Economy

SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today 12th May 2025

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Below is the black market exchange rate for the US Dollar to Naira as of Sunday, May 11, 2025. These are the rates at which you can exchange your dollars for naira.

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate (Aboki FX)
According to sources at the Bureau De Change (BDC) in Lagos, the dollar was bought at ₦1625 and sold at ₦1630 on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Important Notice:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the parallel market, also known as the black market. The CBN advises anyone seeking foreign exchange to do so through their commercial banks.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates Today

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Market Type Buying Rate Selling Rate
Black Market (Aboki) ₦1625 ₦1630
CBN Official Rate ₦1608–₦1614 –
Please note: Exchange rates may differ depending on the vendor or location, and the rates presented here might vary slightly from the actual rate at the point of transaction.

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