Economy
Foreign reserves hit $40b as CBN strengthens forex market
Nigeria’s foreign reserves surpassed the $40 billion mark for the first time in three years, marking a significant milestone in economic recovery efforts.
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso attributed the rise to key reforms.
He spoke during a meeting with the Assistant Governor for Monetary Affairs at the Saudi Arabian Central Bank (SAMA), Talal Al-Humond, on the sidelines of the inaugural Conference on Emerging Market Economies in Riyadh.
A statement by CBN said the reserves were at their highest in nearly three years.
The reforms include the adoption of an electronic matching system to enhance transparency in the foreign exchange market and the introduction of a foreign exchange code of ethics.
The code, which all Nigerian banks have signed onto, ensures strict adherence to market rules, fostering confidence among investors and market participants.
At the conference organised by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Office, Cardoso advocated for stronger economic ties between Nigeria and the Middle East.
He noted that Nigeria could learn valuable lessons from Saudi Arabia’s approach to infrastructural development, economic diversification, and tourism investment.
As part of efforts to boost Nigeria’s economic position, the CBN governor reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Nigerian diaspora community in the Middle East.
He stressed that increased remittance flows from Nigerians abroad would play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s financial sector.
Cardoso said: “The CBN will continue implementing policies that enhance macroeconomic stability, promote private sector growth, and create high-quality jobs.”
During a panel discussion moderated by Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, Cardoso addressed critical reforms in Nigeria’s financial markets.
He highlighted that Nigeria had previously experienced a significant gap—sometimes as wide as 60 per cent—between the official and parallel market exchange rates.
However, he noted that due to consistent policy direction, improved market confidence, and greater transparency in forex trading, the exchange rate gap has now narrowed to approximately 4-5 per cent.
Cardoso acknowledged that Nigeria faced severe economic challenges, including capital flight, multiple exchange rate regimes, currency depreciation, high inflation, and a backlog of foreign exchange transactions.
These issues eroded investor confidence and created instability in the financial markets.
Upon assuming office, Cardoso prioritised clearing the backlog of outstanding transactions and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to economic stability.
To curb inflation and ensure macroeconomic discipline, the CBN adopted a tight monetary policy stance, raising interest rates by 850 basis points over the past year.
The bank also moved away from quasi-fiscal interventions, which had previously distorted the economy, and instead embraced a more orthodox monetary policy framework.
He said petrol subsidy, along with inefficiencies in the forex market, had cost the country approximately six per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually.
To strengthen Nigeria’s financial system, the CBN mandated that banks increase their capital base to build resilience against future economic shocks.
Cardoso said the recapitalisation effort has yielded positive results, ensuring that the banking sector remains robust and capable of supporting the country’s economic growth.
Addressing Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate, which currently stands at 74 per cent, Cardoso stressed the need for aggressive expansion to ensure that economic growth benefits all Nigerians, particularly those in underserved communities.
The CBN governor pointed to digitalisation as a crucial tool for financial inclusion, noting that expanding mobile money services and leveraging technology—especially for gender-focused initiatives—could significantly close the financial access gap.
According to him, Nigeria’s monetary policy decisions have been tailored to its unique economic conditions rather than global trends.
He pointed out that while some international financial experts were initially sceptical of Nigeria’s tightening stance, the country’s approach has since been validated, with many analysts now acknowledging its effectiveness.
Al-Humond assured Cardoso that the Saudi Arabian Central Bank was open to collaboration with the CBN to achieve mutually beneficial economic objectives.
Credit: The Nation
A total sum of N1.678 trillion, being February 2025 Federation Account Revenue, has been shared to the Federal Government, States and the Local Government Councils.
The revenue was shared at the March 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja; chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
The meeting was attended by the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
The total distributable revenue of N1.678 trillion comprised distributable statutory revenue of N827.633 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N 609.430 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N35.171 billion, Solid Minerals revenue of N28.218 billion and Augmentation of N178 billion.
According to a communiqué issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), total gross revenue of N2.344 trillion was available in the month of February 2025. Total deduction for cost of collection was N89.092 billion while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N577.097 billion.
The communiqué stated that gross statutory revenue of N1.653 trillion was received for the month of February 2025. This was lower than the sum of N1.848 trillion received in the month of January 2025 by N194.664 billion.
Gross revenue of N654.456 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in February 2025. This was lower than the N771.886 billion available in the month of January 2025 by N117.430 billion.
The communiqué stated that from the total distributable revenue of N1.678 trillion, the Federal Government received total sum of N569.656 billion and the State Governments received total sum of N562.195 billion.
The Local Government Councils received total sum of N410.559 billion and a total sum of N136.042 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
On the N827.633 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N366.262 billion and the State Governments received N185.773 billion.
The Local Government Councils received N143.223 billion and the sum of N132.374 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
From the N609.430 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N91.415 billion, the State Governments received N304.715 billion and the Local Government Councils received N213.301 billion.
A total sum of N5.276 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N35.171 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N17.585 billion and the Local Government Councils received N12.310 billion.
From the N28.218 billion Solid Minerals revenue, the Federal Government received N12.933 billion and the State Governments received N6.560 billion.
The Local Government Councils received N5.057 billion and a total sum of N3.668 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.
The Augmentation of N178 billion was shared as follows: Federal Government received N93.770 billion, the State Governments received N47.562 billion and the Local Government Councils received N36.668 billion.
In February 2025, Oil and Gas Royalty and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), increased significantly while Value Added Tax (VAT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Excise Duty, Import Duty and CET Levies recorded decreases.
Economy
Protesters urge president Tinubu to protect Diaspora housing investments along Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
A group under the aegis of Renewed Hope Concern Citizens (RHCC) on Friday staged a peaceful protest, calling for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in protecting housing investments owned by Nigerians in the diaspora along the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
The protesters gathered in front of the United States Embassy in Abuja, carrying banners with inscriptions such as; Minister of Works, Senator Umahi should revert to the original gazetted alignment as promised. Enough is Enough; Association of Nigerian Diaspora Investors (ANDI) has cried enough, please intervene to save their energy to promote, support, and assist the Renewed Hope Administration; Renewed Hope Concern Citizens want Diaspora Investments to be protected and given adequate attention among others
“As committed stakeholders in the nation’s economic progress, we have consistently supported the government’s vision, particularly in revitalizing Nigeria’s infrastructure and energy sector. While we acknowledge the administration’s positive strides, recent developments have raised concerns about the misalignment of energy policies, particularly regarding the 2006 Gazetted alignment.
“We urgently call on the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to restore the 2006 Gazetted alignment to ensure continued growth and stability in Nigeria’s energy sector,” said Hon. Tayo Agbaje, Chairman of RHCC, while addressing journalists.
The group refuted the Minister’s claim that an underground cable warranted the removal of structures in Okun Ajah, Lagos and outlined several reasons why President Tinubu’s intervention is crucial.
According to them, The 2006 Gazetted alignment has long provided a stable and predictable framework, essential for maintaining investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
“Diaspora investors contribute significantly to job creation, business growth, and the overall economy, making their protection vital to sustaining these contributions.
“The President should investigate the Minister of Works’ claim about the underground cable allegedly interfering with the 2006 Gazetted plan.
“Restoring the alignment will reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to a stable investment climate, boosting foreign investor confidence and attracting much-needed capital for infrastructure development.
“Deviating from established policies creates uncertainty, undermining both current and future foreign investments.
“Maintaining the 2006 Gazetted alignment will signal Nigeria’s dedication to long-term economic stability, further reassuring both local and international investors,” the group stated.
The RHCC reaffirmed its support for the Association of Nigeria in Diaspora Investments (ANDI) in its quest to uphold the 2006 Gazetted alignment plan of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
They urged the government to act swiftly to protect diaspora investors, as this will strengthen Nigeria’s investment future and ensure continued economic success under the Renewed Hope Administration.
Economy
Ogunjimi promises to collaborate with ex-Accountants-General in taking treasury house to greater heights
The newly appointed Accountant General
of the Federation, Mr Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi said he would collaborate and tap from the wealth of experiences of all Former Accountants -General of the Federation to bring the nation treasury to a greater height.
Mr Ogunjimi disclosed this while receiving two Former Accountants-General of the Federation, Dr John Naiyeju and Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo in his office in Abuja.
Speaking earlier, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo suggested the upgrading of the Treasury Academy, Orozo owned by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) to a Degree (University) awarding Institute.
Also, Dr. John K. Naiyeju charged the new Accountant-General to carry along everyone and advised him to make staff welfare his priority.
In a related development, the Accountant-General of the Federation expressed his willingness to work with all professional organisation that will bring positive development to the nation, especially, his professional and Academy colleagues of the doctorate class.
Mr Ogunjimi called on his classmates to come up with ideas and suggestions that will enhance the management of the nation’s treasury that will positively affect the economy development.
In his remarks, the Chairman Forum of Doctorate Students, Ibrahim Aliyu said that they were in Treasury House to congratulate one of their own and assured him of their support towards his successful tenure.
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