Economy
Nigerian Government Spends N8.73 Billion on Airport Power Supply Amid Ongoing Electricity Issues
In 2024, the Nigerian government allocated a staggering N8.73 billion to maintain power at the country’s airports, with a significant portion directed to resolving electricity issues at the new international terminal of Abuja’s main airport. According to the latest BudgIT GovSpend report released on Wednesday, most of the expenditure went to J. Marine Logistics Ltd, a company contracted to supply power.
The payments to J. Marine Logistics Ltd were broken down as follows:
N5.67 billion for electricity supply between March and September 2023
N2.19 billion paid in May 2024 for power from October to December 2023
An additional N874.42 million on the same day
The persistent power shortages at Abuja’s airport have caused disruptions in critical services, including runway lights, baggage handling systems, and security equipment, particularly during peak travel times and at night.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Nigerian government has allocated N105.95 billion for the aviation sector, a substantial increase from the N63.32 billion spent in 2024. This new budget includes N5 billion earmarked for improving power supply at key airports, including those in Lagos and Abuja, as well as another N5 billion for developing aerospace facilities in the capital.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo highlighted in May 2024 that maintaining electricity at Lagos Airport alone costs the government N1 billion each month. He shared that the ministry is exploring alternative power sources, such as solar energy, in an effort to reduce reliance on expensive diesel power. “Lagos airport alone, I am told, we spend N1 billion monthly on electricity. That is still something I am trying to crack,” Keyamo said.
Economy
SEE Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate For Today January 2nd 2025
Below, is the Dollar to Naira exchange rate for today, 02 January 2025.
What Is The Official Exchange Rate For Dollar To Naira Today?
The exchange rate between the Naira and the US dollar according to the data released on the FMDQ Security Exchange, the official forex trading portal showed that the Naira opened at ₦1544.00 and per $1 on Monday, December 30, 2024 and closed at ₦1538.25 per $1 on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
However, the Naira is trading as high as ₦1,655 per Dollar at the black market even though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange market.
The apex bank, in a circular on Wednesday 14th June 2023, said all FX windows were now collapsed into the investors & exporters (I&E) window.
The statement read, “Abolishment of segmentation. All segments are now collapsed into the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window. Applications for medicals, school fees, BTA/PTA, and SMEs would continue to be processed through deposit money banks.
“Re-introduction of the “Willing Buyer, Willing Seller” model at the I&E Window. Operations in this window shall be guided by the extant circular on the establishment of the window, dated 21 April 2017, and referenced FM/DIR/CIR/GEN/08/007. All eligible transactions are permitted to access foreign exchange at this window.
“The operational rate for all government-related transactions shall be the weighted average rate of the preceding day’s executed transactions at the I&E window, calculated to two (2) decimal places.
“Proscription of trading limits on oversold FX positions with permission to hedge short positions with OTC futures. Limits on overbought positions shall be zero.
“Re-introduction of order-based two-way quotes, with bid-ask spread of N1. All transactions shall be cleared by a Central Counter Party (CCP).
“Reintroduction of Order Book to ensure transparency of orders and seamless execution of trades.
“The operational hours of trades shall be from 9 a.m to 4 p.m, Nigeria time.”
The apex noted that further guidance on the operational changes would be communicated to authorized dealers and the general public in due course.
The changes to operations in the country’s FX market imply that Nigeria has eased its control of the naira, allowing the local currency to float freely.
Meanwhile, a free-floating exchange rate occurs when a government allows the exchange rate to be determined purely by market forces and there is no attempt to ask the central bank to influence the external value of the exchange rate.
Economy
JUST IN: Naira Gains N5 In Parallel Market January 1, 2025
On Tuesday, the Naira appreciated N1,650 per dollar in the parallel market, compared to N1,655 on Monday.
Similarly, the Naira appreciated to N1,535 per dollar in the official foreign exchange market.
Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the exchange rate for the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) fell to N1,535 per dollar from N1,537 per dollar on Monday, indicating N2 appreciation for the naira.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N115 per dollar from N118 per dollar on Monday.
Economy
SEE Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate in Lagos and FCT today, 31 December 2024
The official naira black market exchange rate in Lagos and FCT, Abuja today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources in the Ogba and Ikeja axis of Lagos state, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at the Parallel Market (Black Market) was N1750 on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, players bought a dollar for N1750 and sold it for N1760.
Bureau De Change (BDC) sources in Gwarimpa and Gwagwalada in FCT buy a dollar for N1760 and sell it for N1770 on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Lagos
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1750
Selling Rate N1760
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate FCT, Abuja
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1760
Selling Rate N1770
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may differ from what is captured in this article because prices vary from state to state across Nigeria.
-
Foreign15 hours ago
SAD! Judge shoots self to death
-
News7 hours ago
Anglican Archbishop, Driver Freed After One Month In Kidnappers’ Camp
-
News14 hours ago
Education Minister approves extension of schools’ resumption
-
Metro7 hours ago
SAD! Man Stabbed To Death During Rice Fight On New Year’s Day In Delta Community
-
News14 hours ago
Kano Govt rejects Tinubu’s tax reform bills
-
Sports15 hours ago
Sad! Two months after dad’s demise, Super Eagles goalie, Nwabali announces mum’s death
-
News7 hours ago
Just in: LP’s Peter Obi opens up on merger deal with PDP, NNPP ahead 2027
-
News7 hours ago
New year message: Peter Obi advises Tinubu to spend holidays in different states