Naira: CBN Gives Reason For Multiple Exchange Rates

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has explained why it was necessary for the apex bank to create several exchange rates in the forex market.

CBN spokesperson, Isaac Okarafor, told Reuters that the multiple exchange rates are the only way forex liquidity could be maintained while simultaneously allowing investors to trade their own dollars at a more market-determined rate.

The CBN opened yet another window for investors and analysts last week, a move which effectively created another exchange rate, in addition to the existing five rates already in the market. The window which has begun trading also has the CBN as a participant. This s part of its continued interventions in the forex market, which is speedily approaching the $8 billion mark.

However, the CBN has come under severe criticisms from international economists and analysts, who deride the multiple exchange regime, currently in place in the country, with many remaining skeptic about the sustainability of the CBN’s interventions. Most prominently, the International Monetary Fund has urged CBN to scrap its multiple exchange rate regime to revive its economy, which is still quivering in recession,