By Mario Deepromoter

The Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the black market, also known as the parallel market (Aboki fx)? Here’s the exchange rate for today, 18th September 2024, based on information from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

As of today, in Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market), the exchange rate for buying a dollar is N1655, while selling is at N1660 on Wednesday, 18th September 2024.

It’s important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market) and advises individuals to approach their banks for official Forex transactions.

### Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today:
– **Buying Rate**: N1655
– **Selling Rate**: N1660

### Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today:
– **Buying Rate**: N1651
– **Selling Rate**: N1652

*Note*: These rates may vary slightly based on location and the specific Bureau De Change operator.

### CBN’s Outlook on External Reserves and Economy:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised concerns over factors that may hinder the growth of Nigeria’s external reserves in 2024/2025. The removal of fuel subsidies, rising import costs, and increased debt servicing are cited as potential threats to the reserves.

This was detailed in the CBN’s Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade, and Exchange Policy Guidelines for the fiscal years 2024/2025. Despite these challenges, the CBN projects overall economic growth for Nigeria, driven by policies supporting agriculture, oil sector reforms, and foreign exchange market adjustments.

“The outlook for Nigeria’s external sector in 2024/2025 is optimistic,” the CBN noted, with expectations of favorable trade terms due to higher oil prices and improved domestic production. However, the bank also highlighted risks such as lower oil revenues, increased import bills, and rising external debt obligations.

The Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Haitham Al Ghais, has blamed tax imposition by major oil-consuming countries, not oil prices as the primary driver of fuel costs.

He disclosed this in a recent statement.

His comments come as Nigeria experienced several petrol pump price hikes in the last one year.

The latest was on Monday when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced an additional pump price hike in its retail outlets between N950 per liter and N1,019.22.

Speaking on the factors responsible for fuel price hikes, Al Ghais explained that the prices paid by consumers at the pump were determined by various factors, including the price of crude oil, refining, transportation, marketing costs, oil company margins, and taxes.

According to Al Ghais, revenues generated from oil sales are often reinvested by oil-producing countries into the oil sector.

He stated that OPEC member countries reinvested a substantial portion of their revenue into exploration, production, and transportation projects.

On the other hand, the OPEC boss noted that consuming countries’ governments received significant revenue from taxes imposed on petroleum products.

In 2023, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development’s average share of total tax on the final retail price increased year-on-year and amounted to approximately 44 percent.

“Therefore, for many consumers, taxation can be a more significant factor than the original price for crude, in feeling any pinch in their pocket at the pump,” he stated

“It is a sovereign right for countries and governments to develop their taxation systems, but when there is talk of concerns about the effect of high pump prices on the disposable income of populations, it is important to remember how much of this is from taxes flowing to finance ministries around the world”, he said.

By Mario Deepromoter

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reconstituted the board of directors of Keystone Bank.

The move was announced on Wednesday, as part of the apex bank’s strategy to ensure sustained growth for the financial institution.

According to a statement from the Keystone Bank, Lady Ada Chukwudozie has been appointed as the new board chairman, alongside five other non-executive directors. They are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Senator Farouk Bello.

In addition, the CBN also named two new executive directors, Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello.

Lady Ada Chukwudozie, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate sector, brings nearly three decades of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.

Her expertise cuts across multiple industries, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Vogue Afrique Magazine.

Abdul-Rahman Esene, with over 43 years of experience in banking, investment management, and corporate finance, has held leadership roles in major institutions such as Fidelity Bank, Afrinvest, and Global Arbitrage International Inc.

Mrs Fola Akande boasts over 25 years of experience in legal, compliance, and risk management, having worked with global brands like Cadbury, Stanbic Chartered Bank, and Shell.

Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji has a distinguished 30-year career in accounting, finance, and business development, having served at institutions such as Sterling Bank, Access Bank, and Intercontinental Bank.

Obijiaku Samuel, with more than 35 years of experience in banking and treasury operations, has left a significant mark on Nigeria’s financial sector, previously working with Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank.

Senator Farouk Bello, a seasoned banker with over 20 years of experience, has led initiatives across both the public and private sectors, including the National Assembly and Guaranty Trust Bank.

Meanwhile, the two new executive directors bring their vast expertise to the table. Ladi Oluwole, the new Executive Director of Risk Management, comes with over two decades of experience in credit and enterprise risk management, including previous roles at Bank of America. Abubakar Usman Bello, Executive Director for the Northern Directorate, has extensive experience managing corporate, retail, and public sector clients.

Speaking on the appointments, Keystone Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Hassan Imam, expressed confidence in the new board members, stating that their wealth of experience would play a crucial role in the bank’s continued repositioning and growth.

“We are pleased to welcome the new chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the board of Keystone Bank. We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to reposition the bank to seize emerging economic opportunities while maintaining strong corporate governance and providing our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,” Imam said.