Emmanuel OchayiExternal Reserves Dip Amidst Bond Issuance Plans
Nigeria’s external reserves have dropped by approximately $342.97 million in just nine days, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This decline, recorded between 7th August and 15th August, 2024, comes as the government prepares to issue a $500 million domestic dollar bond, a move aimed at shoring up the dwindling reserves.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelTracking the Decline in External Reserves
As of August 7, 2024, Nigeria’s external reserves were at $36.87 billion. Over the subsequent days, a steady decline was observed.
By August 8, the reserves slightly decreased to $36.84 billion, marking a 0.06% reduction. This trend continued, with the reserves further dropping to $36.83 billion by August 9.
The most significant dip occurred on August 12, with reserves falling to $36.62 billion, a 0.57% decline from three days earlier.
The downward trend persisted, with August 13 showing reserves at $36.57 billion, a further reduction of 0.14%. By August 15, the reserves had settled at $36.53 billion, a total decline of 0.93% over the nine days.
This marks the first notable drop in Nigeria’s external reserves in four months, a period during which the reserves had grown by about $4 billion.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s External Reserves Rise To $37bn, Gain $2.35bn In 18 Days
The current decline underscores the financial challenges facing Nigeria as it navigates economic pressures, including the need to support import demands, meet debt obligations, and stabilize the naira.
Government’s Strategy to Stabilise External Reserves
To address the pressures on external reserves, the Nigerian government has announced plans to issue a $500 million domestic dollar bond.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, emphasized the importance of this bond during a hybrid roadshow organized by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in Lagos.
“This historic issuance will provide essential foreign exchange liquidity and boost reserves, which will help stabilize the exchange rate, manage inflation, and eventually lower interest rates,” Edun stated.
He added that the bond would attract both domestic and foreign direct investors, channeling funds into key sectors that could catalyze economic growth.
The bond, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, is expected to offer bullet repayment at maturity in US dollars. The government aims to raise $500 million from local and foreign investors, with the potential to double the offer amount, targeting $1 billion in subscriptions.
Investors can participate with a minimum amount of $10,000, with additional investments allowed in multiples of $1,000.
Outlook and Expectations
The Nigerian government hopes that the $500 million domestic dollar bond will provide much-needed support to the external reserves.
The successful issuance of this bond is seen as a strategic move to mitigate the current decline in reserves, stabilize the naira, and manage inflationary pressures.
As the bond issuance approaches, all eyes are on how effectively this strategy will bolster Nigeria’s external reserves and contribute to the overall stability of the economy.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
