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On  Forex Restriction Policy

Published

3 years ago

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When on June 23, 2015, the immediate past federal government, through a circular from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, placed a ban on forex in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market for 43 items, some Nigerians raised concern on the possible effect of such restriction on the nation’s economy.
They advised that forex restriction on rice, cement, margarine, palm kernel, palm oil products, vegetable oils, meat and processed meat products, vegetables and processed vegetable products; poultry and processed poultry products; tinned fish in sauce (geisha)/sardine; toothpicks and many more could contribute to inflationary pressures as there would be limited availability of foreign exchange for these essential goods, adding that when businesses face higher costs for imports, these costs often get passed on to consumers through increased prices for locally produced goods and services.
It could be recalled that some economists appeared on interview programmes on the media, educating that forex restrictions could create instability in the foreign exchange market, as the demand for forex may exceed its supply. This they said could lead to multiple exchange rates, with a significant gap between the official exchange rate and the parallel market rate, which can deter foreign investors and distort the economy.
Some people in the manufacturing sector warned that forex restrictions could lead to shortages of imported goods, including essential commodities and critical inputs for manufacturing and that businesses might struggle to maintain production, leading to supply disruptions and affecting employment and economic growth.
They warned that the policy would impact negatively on businesses as industries that rely heavily on imported raw materials or machinery could face operational difficulties, reduced production, and increased costs, which could lead to job losses and lower economic growth
Some other citizens were worried that forex restrictions would lead to the growth of black markets, where foreign exchange is traded at unofficial rates and could create opportunities for illegal activities and capital flight; that the policy could discourage foreign investors, as they could find it challenging to repatriate their profits and may be concerned about the business environment’s unpredictability; that over time, forex restrictions can deplete a country’s foreign exchange reserves, making it more vulnerable to external shocks and economic instability.
Incidentally, the government paid a deaf ear to these warnings.  They claimed that restricting the items from accessing FX from investors and exporters (I & E) window was aimed at reducing foreign exchange demand for products that could be locally produced, improve employment generation and conserve foreign reserves as well as protecting and growing the local industries.
Today, eight years later, amidst the constant downward sliding of the nation’s currency, scarcity of forex and a collapsing economy, the forex restriction is lifted by the same apex bank that said the forex restriction policy was the ultimate and would take the nation’s economy to Eldorado.
Sometimes, it is difficult to understand the reasons behind some government’s actions and policies. Could it be for their selfish reasons, religious, political, tribal considerations or what? Is it in the interest of the nation and the citizens as they always claim? What has the general masses benefitted from the constant policy summersault other than economic hardship, increased poverty, hunger and the likes?
It is good that the House of Representatives had resolved to invite the Governor of CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, to give clarifications on the forex lifting policy and its implications on the economy. Let him go and explain to the nation how the latest policy will improve the nation’s economy and better the lots of the people. What will the increased demand for dollars, an inevitable result of the policy, do to our local economy?
What will be his answer to the fears expressed by the law makers and indeed many other Nigerians that the policy will impact negatively on the indigenous industries?  Will it put more pressure on the scare forex, impact negatively on the indigenous industries and have an adverse effect on the already poor economy generally?  Will it make it difficult for Nigeria to be competitive in the African Continental Free Trade Area because the markets will be flooded with imported finished goods as the law makers opined?
However, much as one identifies with the reason for some people’s pessimism over the lifting of the forex ban, it is imperative that we interrogate the gains of the ban while it lasted from 2015 till two weeks ago. How much changed throughout the period of banning of those items?  Did it lead to the growth of the local industries as envisaged? How much attention and financial support was given to these industries to reinvigorate them?
Yes, it could be said that the policy led to the drive to bolster the production of local rice. The commitment of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration towards ensuring self-sufficiency in rice was very visible. The partial closure of the western border with Benin to curb rice smuggling, the anchor – borrowers programme of the CBN were some of the government’s attempt to boost local production even though it did not result in rice pyramid as Buhari and former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele claimed.
Apparently, these interventions did not lead to the availability of rice and at affordable price. We recall the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, boasting in 2019 that the price of 50kg bag of local rice will crash from N18,000 to N13,000. That was never to be. Today, it goes for between N45,000 to 52,000 depending on the brand and your location.
The familiar problems of insecurity, high cost of energy, poor infrastructure, near nonexistent power, inadequate funding, irregular taxes, high exchange rate, unfavourable government policies and many more, made and still make the cost of production of the previously forex banned items very high. You can imagine farmers in some northern states paying bandits up to N1.7million annually as tax and harvest fees before they can have access to their farms and avoid being abducted as reported in the media.
The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Francis Meshioye, recently disclosed that the unrelenting increase in production costs is posing a serious threat to the existence of the manufacturing sector. He said, “Currently, the cost of manufacturing is daily rising, owing to scarce and unavailable manufacturing inputs that continue to shrink profitability and threaten the existence of the critical sector of the economy.
“More worrisome is the fact that the sector that should propel job creation, productivity, and economic growth is enmeshed with a series of challenges that constantly limit its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.”
Therefore, the law makers should not stop at inviting the CBN governor. They should come up with good legislations that will help in tackling these challenges. They should collaborate with the executive arm of government to save the economy from collapsing.
The legislators should also demonstrate their desire to see the economy bounce back by sacrificing some of their luxuries. They should discourage the executives from obtaining foreign loans to be shared to them and to buy exquisite cars for them or to be shared to the so called 15 million families for feeding for three months.
These monies should be channelled into subsidising power, provision of infrastructure, quality health care to the poor masses and in other avenues that will boost the economy.
Someone recently said that the government does not need advice on how to revive the nation’s economy and that is true. The economy is currently being driven by renowned economic experts. They have launched the 8-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu in addition to other policy reforms and beautiful ideas on how to make the economy vibrant again. What is needed now is for them to walk the talk.

By: Calista Ezeaku

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Opinion

Gift Or Will: Why Wait Until Death To Give?  

Published

7 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

By

Quote:”The value of wealth is measured not only by what a person leaves behind but also by the good it accomplishes during that person’s lifetime. Why wait until death to give when we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we love today?”

Will and gifts are subjects that many people, particularly in this part of the world, are reluctant to discuss. This may be due to the misconception that they are matters reserved for the dying and that talking about them could somehow invite death. Yet, both are important subjects that everyone, young and old alike, should understand. Every property owner should ask a fundamental question: Why wait until death before allowing the people we love to enjoy the fruits of our labour? Many parents spend their productive years acquiring houses, land, businesses and other valuable assets, yet postpone sharing these blessings with their children and loved ones until they are no longer alive. They prepare Wills, appoint executors and hope their wishes will eventually be fulfilled. But is there a case for giving more generously during one’s lifetime?

A Will is an important legal instrument, and nobody should be discouraged from making one. However, lifetime gifts deserve greater attention because they allow property owners to witness the benefits of their generosity and, where properly completed, transfer ownership before death. One practical difficulty with inheritance is that writing a Will does not automatically make the property available to beneficiaries upon the testator’s death. Ordinarily, executors must obtain a grant of probate from the appropriate Probate Registry before administering the estate under the Will. The process may involve producing the original Will and death certificate, identifying executors and beneficiaries, preparing an inventory and valuation of assets, completing prescribed forms, paying applicable fees and satisfying other registry requirements. Procedures vary across jurisdictions in the country and depend on the circumstances of each estate. 

Where documentation is incomplete, the estate is complex or questions arise about the Will, administration may be delayed. Matters become more difficult when a relative or beneficiary challenges the Will, enters a caveat or commences litigation. Legal expenses accumulate, family relationships deteriorate, and intended beneficiaries may wait for years before receiving their inheritance. A child expecting to inherit a house may be unable to deal freely with the property while administration remains outstanding. Similarly, a beneficiary hoping to use inherited funds to establish a business may be frustrated by delays. Across Nigeria, families have experienced difficulties accessing their late parents’ estates because of disputes over Wills and prolonged legal proceedings. See Dan Jumbo v Dan Jumbo. Where a court declares a Will invalid, those named as beneficiaries may lose their entitlement under that document, and the estate may instead be distributed under the applicable intestacy rules. Consequently, people the deceased deliberately intended to benefit may receive nothing under the disputed Will. Ajibaiye v Ajibaiye

This does not mean every challenge will succeed or that all beneficiaries will necessarily be excluded. It nevertheless highlights a risk in postponing every act of generosity until death: the intended beneficiaries may have to establish their entitlement through a process whose outcome is uncertain. A lifetime gift, commonly called a gift inter vivos, is a gift intended to take effect during the donor’s lifetime. Where validly completed, ownership of the transferred interest generally passes to the beneficiary, and the property ordinarily ceases to form part of the donor’s estate.This distinction is significant. A beneficiary who acquires valid ownership of property during the donor’s lifetime does not ordinarily have to establish entitlement to that property through the donor’s Will. The claim rests on the completed transfer rather than a testamentary promise. For instance, a parent with several properties may transfer a house to a child who needs accommodation or give land to another who wishes to build a home. A business owner may transfer an interest in a business to a child already involved in its management. These arrangements provide practical support while allowing the giver to witness the benefits.

Properly completed lifetime gifts may also reduce the assets that must subsequently pass through probate, potentially simplifying the administration of the remaining estate. However, such transfers must comply with applicable law. A mere declaration or unfulfilled promise to give land may not be sufficient. Depending on the circumstances, a gift may require an appropriate deed, acceptance, execution, registration and any necessary consent. Sections 21 and 22 of the Land Use Act 1978 regulate certain dealings involving statutory and customary rights of occupancy. Lifetime gifts are not immune from disputes though. Transfers may be challenged on grounds such as fraud, undue influence, incapacity or failure to comply with legal formalities. Proper legal advice and documentation are therefore essential. Encouraging lifetime gifts does not mean abandoning Wills. A Will remains useful for assets an owner wishes to retain throughout life, property acquired later and assets not transferred before death. It also allows the testator to appoint executors and give instructions for distributing the remaining estate.

Property owners must also avoid giving away assets indiscriminately. Adequate provision should be made for personal upkeep, accommodation, healthcare and other financial responsibilities. Parents should never be pressured into transferring their entire estates or surrendering their financial independence. Where a donor wishes to retain the right to occupy a gifted house, that arrangement should be properly structured and documented. Ultimately, the value of wealth is measured not only by what a person leaves behind but also by the good it accomplishes during that person’s lifetime. A gift of land may enable a child to build a home; financial assistance may help a young person establish a business; and a properly transferred property may provide security while the donor is still alive to share in the beneficiary’s joy. Probate is a necessary safeguard, not a reason to dismiss Wills. Nevertheless, where appropriate, lifetime gifts can reduce the property left for administration and help beneficiaries avoid waiting for assets that could have been transferred earlier.

My appeal is simple: let us cultivate a culture of thoughtful giving. Make a Will, but also consider what you can responsibly give today. Seek legal advice, document your intentions and ensure every transfer is properly completed. Why wait until death to give when we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we love today?

By: Calista Ezeaku
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Opinion

Nigeria’s Anti-corruption Institutions: How Independent? 

Published

7 days ago

on

October 19, 2026

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Quote:“Nigeria’s anti-corruption battle is too important to be reduced to political contests or personalities. It must rise above administrations, parties and individuals and become a sustained national institutional commitment.”

Corruption remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent governance challenges. It affects public resources, weakens institutions, undermines service delivery and erodes citizens’ confidence in government. For decades, successive administrations have declared their commitment to fighting corruption, while agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have investigated and prosecuted numerous cases. Yet, beyond the number of arrests, investigations, prosecutions and convictions, there is a more fundamental question Nigeria must continue to confront: How independent and fair are the institutions entrusted with the fight against corruption?

This question matters because the success of anti-corruption agencies depends not only on their legal powers but also on the confidence citizens have in the manner those powers are exercised. An agency may possess extensive statutory authority, but if citizens believe that its decisions are influenced by political considerations, public confidence can suffer. The ICPC Act provides for the Commission’s independence, stating that in discharging its functions, it shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. This statutory provision is significant. An agency charged with investigating public officers and institutions must be sufficiently protected from improper influence if it is to perform its duties objectively.

Independence, however, should not be confused with freedom from accountability. Anti-corruption agencies must themselves operate within the law and remain subject to appropriate constitutional, judicial and institutional checks. The power to investigate and prosecute is enormous, and such power must always be exercised responsibly.This is where fairness becomes indispensable.  An effective anti-corruption campaign cannot be built on the perception that the law is tough on some people and gentle on others. Citizens should be able to believe that allegations are examined on their merits, evidence determines the direction of investigations, and suspects are afforded due process irrespective of their political status, social standing or connections.

The presumption of innocence must remain sacrosanct. Being investigated is not the same as being guilty, just as being charged is not the same as being convicted. The media and the public also have a responsibility to distinguish allegations from established facts. At the same time, fairness must not become an excuse for inaction. Where credible evidence exists, investigations should proceed without fear or favour. The challenge, therefore, is to build anti-corruption institutions whose actions are guided by law rather than personalities. Their credibility should not depend on who occupies political office, which party is in power or whose interests may be affected by an investigation. Nigeria has made important institutional investments in the fight against corruption.

The EFCC’s mandate covers the investigation and prosecution of economic and financial crimes, while the ICPC combines enforcement with preventive measures, including institutional reforms and anti-corruption initiatives within public institutions. But enforcement alone cannot eliminate corruption. Institutions must also close the loopholes that make corrupt practices possible. Procurement systems, financial controls, public-sector accountability and transparency mechanisms must be continually strengthened. Prevention is often more effective and less costly than waiting for corruption to occur before pursuing those involved. The judiciary also has an important role. Courts provide the constitutional and legal checks necessary to ensure that anti-corruption powers are exercised within the law.

Judicial oversight should not be regarded as an obstacle to the anti-corruption fight. Rather, it is part of what gives the fight legitimacy. There is also a need for greater transparency in the work of anti-corruption agencies. Nigerians deserve credible information about institutional performance, while sensitive investigations must be protected from unnecessary exposure. Regular publication of statistics, outcomes and institutional reports can help citizens distinguish between genuine enforcement and publicity. Ultimately, Nigeria does not need an anti-corruption campaign that is powerful only when directed at particular individuals. It needs institutions that remain strong regardless of who is being investigated. The real measure of progress should therefore go beyond the number of people arrested or prosecuted.

It should include whether public institutions are becoming more transparent, whether public funds are better protected and whether citizens believe that the law applies fairly. Nigeria’s anti-corruption battle is too important to be reduced to political contests or personalities. It must rise above administrations, parties and individuals and become a sustained national institutional commitment. Independent institutions, impartial investigations, due process, judicial oversight and equal application of the law are not competing objectives. They are the pillars upon which a credible anti-corruption system must stand. If Nigeria succeeds in building institutions that can investigate without fear, prosecute without favour and operate without improper political interference, the country will have moved beyond the politics of anti-corruption to the establishment of a genuine culture of accountability. The ultimate victory over corruption will not come merely when more people are punished; it will come when Nigerian institutions become strong enough to make corruption increasingly difficult to commit, conceal and protect.

By:  Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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Opinion

Nigeria On Age of Prosperity?

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

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Quote: “The real test of prosperity is not what government announces, but what the ordinary Nigerian can afford, earn and hope for.”
Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary came with a message of hope from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: the country has moved beyond the difficult phase of economic reforms and is now entering what he called an “age of prosperity.” In his October 1 national broadcast, titled From Reform to Prosperity, the President argued that the painful economic measures of the past three years had corrected the country’s economic direction and laid the foundation for shared and widespread prosperity.
The declaration is significant because Nigerians have lived through an extraordinarily difficult period. The removal of fuel subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, rising living costs and other economic adjustments have placed considerable pressure on households and businesses. Government’s argument has consistently been that these sacrifices were necessary to correct structural weaknesses and prevent an even deeper economic crisis. President Tinubu therefore used his Independence Day address to announce what he sees as the beginning of the reward phase.
According to the President, the economic indicators now point in the right direction. He said Nigeria’s economy had grown by more than four per cent in 2026, while both the oil and non-oil sectors contributed to the growth. He also cited declining oil theft, falling inflation from its peak, rebuilt foreign reserves, greater stability in the foreign exchange market and more than $6 billion in non-oil export revenue in 2025.
But economic statistics, important as they are, must eventually be translated into household realities. For the average Nigerian, prosperity is not merely a matter of GDP growth, foreign reserves or export figures. It is the ability to buy food without anxiety, pay school fees without borrowing, travel at affordable cost, access healthcare, secure decent accommodation and earn an income that provides dignity.
This is where the President’s new promise becomes particularly important. He said prosperity would mean a Nigeria where farmers can cultivate their land safely, produce at lower cost and earn decent returns; where factories have reliable electricity; where businesses can obtain credit; where young people can find productive employment; and where food, transportation and education become more affordable.
That vision places production at the centre of the prosperity agenda. Nigeria cannot permanently consume its way out of poverty. The country must produce more food, manufacture more goods, create more jobs and export more competitive products. This requires reliable electricity, good roads, efficient rail and port systems, accessible credit, security for farmers and investors, and an environment in which businesses can survive and expand.
The President’s emphasis on agriculture is therefore noteworthy. Nigeria has vast arable land and a large youthful population, yet food insecurity and high food prices remain major concerns. Expanding irrigation, mechanisation, access to inputs, storage and transportation could help reduce production and distribution costs if properly implemented. The challenge, however, will be moving from policy announcements to measurable results across the farming communities.
The same applies to employment. Nigeria’s youthful population can become an enormous economic advantage, but only if young people have opportunities to acquire relevant skills and participate meaningfully in the economy. President Tinubu spoke of expanding digital connectivity, supporting industries, using domestic gas to power factories and helping Nigerian businesses grow.
These are areas that deserve sustained attention because prosperity cannot be built on government spending alone. It must be driven by productive citizens, viable businesses, innovative entrepreneurs and industries capable of creating wealth and employment.
Yet, the transition from reform to prosperity must also recognise the millions of Nigerians who cannot afford to wait indefinitely for the benefits of future growth. The President acknowledged that many families still struggle with food, school fees, medical expenses and transportation. His administration therefore pointed to social support programmes, education loans, consumer credit and other interventions as bridges towards greater economic opportunity.
The question Nigerians will inevitably ask is: when will the promised prosperity become visible in their homes and communities?
That question should not be dismissed as impatience. It is the legitimate demand of citizens who have been asked to endure sacrifice in anticipation of better times. If reforms are to retain public confidence, their benefits must progressively become tangible. Lower production costs should ultimately mean lower prices. Increased investment should create jobs. Higher agricultural output should improve food availability. Economic growth should broaden opportunity rather than remain concentrated in statistics and balance sheets.
President Tinubu’s declaration that “the age of reform has done its work” therefore carries a heavy responsibility. The next phase must demonstrate that the sacrifices of Nigerians were not merely endured but converted into lasting national benefits.
Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by repeated promises of a better future. At 66, the country cannot afford another cycle in which hope rises with political declarations only to fade under the weight of everyday hardship. The promised age of prosperity must be measured by the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians.
The President has declared that Nigeria has passed through its own “Red Sea” and that the destination is now in sight. The road ahead must therefore be one of delivery, accountability and inclusion. Prosperity must reach the farmer in Rivers, the trader in Kano, the manufacturer in Lagos, the student in Enugu and the young entrepreneur in every part of Nigeria.
The age of prosperity, if it is to mean anything, must not remain a presidential phrase. It must become an experience Nigerians can see, feel and confidently pass on to the next generation.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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