Nigeria’s FX Reserves Rise By $535m In 28 Days Amidst Market Volatility

Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have shown a notable increase of approximately $535 million in just under a month, highlighting a positive trend amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.

According to recent data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the country’s FX reserves climbed from $32.107 billion on April 19, 2024, to $32.642 billion by May 16, 2024. This surge underscores Nigeria’s efforts to bolster its financial stability amid challenges in the global economy.

The rise in reserves comes at a critical time as Nigeria grapples with a scarcity of dollars in its official forex market. Recent statistics reveal a stark 69.4% decline in FX turnover from Thursday, May 16, to Friday, May 17, 2024.

Thursday saw robust trading activity with a turnover of $272.86 million, sharply contrasted by Friday’s reduced figure of $83.5 million, marking the lowest turnover since early January.

“This sharp decline in turnover reflects the current volatility in the market,” noted a financial analyst familiar with the situation. “It underscores the challenges faced by businesses and investors in navigating currency fluctuations.”

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The Nigerian naira, which closed at N1,497/$1 on Friday, May 17, 2024, witnessed a 2.5% gain from the previous day’s rate of N1,593.9/$1. However, earlier in the week, the naira had experienced a significant depreciation to N1,533.99/$1 on Thursday, May 16, 2024, marking a 4.89% drop within a single day. Such rapid fluctuations highlight the volatility affecting the currency market.

“The market dynamics are highly unpredictable right now,” remarked a currency trader. “We’ve seen the naira fluctuate widely within short periods, making it challenging for businesses reliant on imports and foreign exchange.”

Despite these challenges, the increase in FX reserves signals a positive outlook for Nigeria’s economy, indicating improved foreign investment inflows and better management of external assets. The CBN, while not explicitly defending the naira, has taken proactive steps to stabilize the currency. These measures include interventions in the FX market to ensure liquidity and support critical sectors.

“The CBN remains committed to maintaining stability,” affirmed a central bank official. “We continue to implement strategies aimed at enhancing dollar inflows and supporting economic recovery.”

Nevertheless, recent developments have seen the naira transition from one of the region’s strongest currencies to one facing significant pressures. As Nigeria navigates these economic complexities, the bolstered FX reserves provide a crucial buffer against potential shocks, supporting ongoing efforts towards economic recovery and resilience.

“Increasing our FX reserves is a positive step,” noted an economist. “It helps safeguard against external economic pressures and positions Nigeria favorably amidst global uncertainties.”

Looking ahead, stakeholders anticipate continued efforts to stabilize the forex market and enhance economic resilience. Measures such as promoting non-oil exports and attracting foreign direct investment are expected to play pivotal roles in sustaining Nigeria’s economic trajectory amid evolving global dynamics.