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IFC, CBN Partner On Private Sector Growth Through Naira Financing
The International Finance Corporation, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, have signed an agreement to increase local currency financing to enable private businesses in Nigeria to grow and thrive.
The partnership will allow the IFC to manage currency risks and increase its investments in the Naira across priority sectors of the economy, including agriculture, housing, infrastructure, energy,
small and medium enterprises and the creative and youth economy.
A statement jointly issued by Hakama Sidi Ali, on behalf of the CBN in Abuja, and Hlazo Mkandawire for the IFC, said the global financial institution aims to significantly scale up its financing of critical sectors in Nigeria, with a goal of providing over $1billion in the coming years to shore up the Naira.
The statement added that many of the sectors of the economy to be impacted require local currency financing, and as such the IFC’s partnership with the CBN is a key tool in expanding access to finance.
“Ths pioneering initiative between the IFC and CBN will unlock the much-needed long-term local
currency fnancing for private businesses in Nigeria at economically viable rates,” stated Governor Yemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“This collaboration marks a significant progress in the CBN’s commitment to deliverng innovative development initatives through reputable third-party
service providers, moving beyond traditional intervention programs.
“It will serve as a catalyst for
economic growth and advance the Federal Government’s agenda for economic diversification”, the apex bank governor stated.
“Expanding access to affordable local currency financing for small businesses in Nigeria is essential for the IFC to address the increasing demand for diverse funding options and to better
manage currency risk,” said Makhtar Dop, the IFC managing director.
“Our partnership with the
Central Bank of Nigeria will enhance lending in Nigerian naira, fostering economic growth and
creating jobs across the country.”
With an active portfolio of investments in Nigeria of up to $2.13 billion—the second highest in Africa—local currency financing is a key priority for the IFC.
“We will continue to leverage innovative financial instruments and strengthen partnerships to meet the growing demand for more local currency financing in emerging markets”, he added.
The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused
on the private sector in emerging markets.
Operating in more than 100 countries worldwide, the IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries.
In fiscal year 2024, the IFC committed a record $56billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.
News
Renovation: Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters to gulp N6.36bn
The Federal Government has allocated a total of N6,364,181,224 billion for the renovation and rehabilitation of the residential quarters of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and some of their aides in the 2025 budget proposal.
Sunday PUNCH’s analysis of the proposed allocation, contained in the 2025 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, showed that the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa would gulp N5.49bn.
According to the proposed budget, N765m will be used for the renovation of the Vice President’s quarters and guest house.
The renovation of the president’s quarters at the State House will cost N6.39m, while the renovation of security quarters, auditorium, gymnasium and presidential aides’ quarters will cost N49m.
In addition, the renovation of Prescott barracks at Maple State House officers’ mess building and signal office in Asokoro, Abuja will cost N51m.
Further analysis of the budget revealed that Tinubu and his vice are also expected to have N87m as honorarium and sitting allowances, while N127m was allocated for the procurement of SUVs.
Also, N3.66bn was budgeted for the purchase of State House operational vehicles and N1,09bn will be spent on replacement of SUV vehicles at the State House.
Under the budget of the State House Lagos Liaison Office, there is an allocation of N14.72m for the routine maintenance of State House Lagos facilities (Dodan Barracks, Vice President guest houses at Ikoyi, among others).
Another N140.10m was allocated for the completion of renovation and furnishing of the State House annex (Dodan Barracks), Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government is planning to spend N1.83bn on converting forfeited properties from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into State House quarters.
The plan to convert forfeited houses from the EFCC comes in the same month that the commission disclosed the recovery of an estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 units of duplexes and other apartments.
The commission described this as its “single largest asset recovery” since its inception in 2003.
The estate rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09 of the district, and was forfeited in a ruling on Monday, December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.
(Punch)
News
SEE NAIRA Rates Against The USD, GBP, EURO Today December 23, 2024
WHEN we look at this month, USD was traded at ₦ at the beginning of this December on Monday, December 2, 2024. As at today with USD being traded at ₦1,655 we see a % 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 1655 1640
Pounds to Naira 2150 2000
Euro to Naira 1730 1700
Canadian Dollar to Naira 1146 1135
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
READ ALSO: INSIDE LIFE: 26-Year-Old Lady Died In Bangladesh With No One To Claim Her Body, She Is A Nigerian From Enugu (SEE PHOTO)
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
News
Passengers Stranded As Warri-Itakpe Train Derails In Delta Community
Passengers of a train plying the Warri-Itakpe route escaped death on Sunday as the train derailed at Okpara in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
It was gathered that the passengers were stranded following the incident that happened at about 10pm.
According to eyewitness accounts, some of the passengers got to their destinations on Monday morning.
“The incident happened at Okpara Station last night. They stole many people’s phones and other valuables when they slept at night,” a source said.
“It’s this morning that everybody began to find their way to their various destinations.”
The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesman, Yakub Mahmood on Monday.
Mahmood said the service will resume shortly, adding that a team of engineers is at the site of the incident to ensure the track is restored soon.
According to him, the train service will resume as scheduled on Monday afternoon.
The statement reads in part, “The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) hereby informs the general public, especially our valued passengers that ply the Warri-Itakpe route, that following the minor derailment yesterday at the Okpara station, the service will resume shortly as our team of engineers are at the site of the accident to ensure the track is restored anytime soon.
“However, Itakpe-Warri (Ujewu) train will resume as scheduled in the afternoon today.
“All inconveniences caused as a result of the minor derailment is highly regretted.”
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