Business
CBN Raises BDCs’ Weekly Dollar Supply
In line with its resolve to
calm strong volatility observed in the forex market in the past few weeks as well as save the Naira from further depreciation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the weekly supply of dollars to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators from $15,000 to $30,000 per BDC.
The banking sector regulator said the move was also part of measures to deepen the BDCs segment.
The latest policy takes effect from the 28th of January 2015 auction.
The CBN stated this in a circular titled “Review of weekly Foreign Exchange Cash Sales to Bureau De Change Operations”and signed by its Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Olakanmi Gbadamosi which was obtained by our correspondent from the CBN’s website last night.
While the CBN stated that it would sell the greenback to BDCs weekly at the prevailing interbank rate, it warned the forex dealers not to sell to the public at more than 3.5 per cent of its selling rate.
It explained “this is to inform Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and the general public that as part of the ongoing review of developments in the foreign exchange market and in order to deepen the BDC segment, the weekly forex cash sales to BDCs have been reviewed upward from $15,000 to $30,000 per CDC with effect form Wednesday, January 28, 2015 action.
The statement further said while the CBN will sell to BDCs weekly at the prevailing interbank rate, the BDCS are expected to sell to the public at not more than 3.5 per cent above the CBN selling rate.
It also retained the cash reserve ratio (CRR) on private sector dollar deposits at 20 per cent while CRR on public sector deposits was left unchanged.