INSTANT NEWS

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is intensifying efforts to combat currency hoarding and speculation, which are believed to contribute to the depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies. Speculators and hoarders, identified as undermining government initiatives to stabilize the naira, face increased scrutiny. Recent positive strides in naira appreciation were marred by a subsequent decline, prompting suspicions of artificial market manipulation through speculation and hoarding.

While many Nigerians celebrated the previous naira appreciation, speculators and hoarders incurred losses, leading to suspicions that powerful entities, including politically exposed persons involved in foreign exchange round-tripping, are resisting government measures. The CBN, armed with intelligence, is poised to launch a campaign targeting these individuals, aiming to decisively address their disruptive activities.

A source within the CBN, speaking anonymously, revealed the central bank's determination to counteract the pushback from speculators and traders. The CBN plans to initiate a robust campaign against these disruptive forces to preserve the recent gains made in stabilizing the naira. Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), emphasized the CBN's readiness to inflict consequences on currency speculators, emphasizing the risks associated with attempting to manipulate the naira against its recent positive trajectory. The CBN's multifaceted approach includes measures such as dollar liquidity injection and naira mopping through interest rate hikes. The market is cautioned against further attacks on the naira, as the CBN remains well-equipped to safeguard its recent successes.