Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria banks

  • Naira Hits Two-Year High as CBN Resumes Dollar Sales to BDC Operators

    Naira Hits Two-Year High as CBN Resumes Dollar Sales to BDC Operators

    Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Nigerian Naira has reached its strongest position against the US Dollar in over two years, trading near the 1,351 mark in the official market on Thursday. This significant appreciation is largely attributed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent policy shift, which reopened the “dollar tap” for licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators. By allowing BDCs to purchase up to $150,000 weekly, the apex bank has effectively saturated the retail segment with much-needed liquidity.

    The ripple effect of this intervention has been felt across major commercial hubs like Lagos and Abuja, where the parallel market rate has stabilized between 1,430 and 1,440. Market analysts suggest that the direct involvement of BDCs in the official window has curbed the speculative demand that previously drove the “black market” to record lows. The increased transparency in price discovery is now allowing for more predictable business transactions for small-scale importers and travelers.

    Despite the positive momentum, a spread of approximately 90 Naira still exists between the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and the street rate. However, the CBN’s strategy of consistent weekly auctions appears to be working to narrow this gap. Financial experts are optimistic that if this supply remains steady, the Naira could sustain its gains throughout the first quarter of 2026.

    In support of these findings, The Nation observed that “the influx of forex has calmed the nerves of manufacturers who were previously struggling to source dollars.” Furthermore, BusinessDay confirmed the trend, quoting a currency dealer who said, “The frantic demand we saw in December has evaporated because people can now get FX through official channels.”

    Echotitbits take: The CBN’s return to BDC interventions is a pragmatic move to control the retail forex market. While the appreciation is a win for importers, the sustainability of this trend depends on Nigeria’s oil production levels and foreign reserve health. Keep an eye on the next MPC meeting for hints on interest rate adjustments to complement this FX stability.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/11/naira-continues-to-appreciate-against-us-dollar-as-cbn-directs-fx-sales-to-bdcs/, February 12, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Post

  • Nigeria bank NPLs jump to about 7% after CBN rolls back COVID-era forbearance

    Nigeria bank NPLs jump to about 7% after CBN rolls back COVID-era forbearance

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    Figures cited by Punch show Nigeria’s banking sector recorded a rise in non‑performing loans (NPLs) in 2025 after the CBN ended key regulatory forbearance measures introduced during the COVID‑19 period.

    The CBN’s macroeconomic outlook puts the NPL ratio at an estimated 7%, above the 5% prudential limit, raising concerns about asset quality and how quickly lenders can rebalance risk without choking credit.

    Analysts say the shift forces more realistic loss recognition and provisioning, but also increases pressure on earnings and capital—especially for lenders with heavy exposures in vulnerable sectors.

    BusinessDay reports NPLs rose to “an estimated seven percent,” breaching the prudential threshold, following the withdrawal of forbearance. The CBN’s published outlook states the “Non‑performing Loans (NPLs) ratio stood at an estimated 7.00 per cent” relative to the 5% limit.

    Echotitbits take: This is where recapitalisation and risk management collide. If banks tighten too aggressively, SMEs and consumer credit will feel it; if they don’t, provisioning will eat profits. Watch quarterly disclosures for sector-by-sector stress, and whether the CBN introduces targeted transitional guidance.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/banks-bad-loans-spike-after-cbn-withdraws-forbearance/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch