The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reported a 130% surge in remittance inflows, reaching $553 million in July 2024.
This is according to a statement by Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
According to the CBN, this milestone represents the highest monthly remittance inflows ever recorded, marking a significant increase from the same period in 2023.
The statement read: “The substantial growth in remittance receipts is attributable to policy measures introduced by the CBN to enhance liquidity in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. These measures include granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), implementing a willing buyer-willing seller model, and enabling timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs.
“Diaspora remittances are a crucial source of foreign exchange for Nigeria, supplementing both foreign direct investment and portfolio investments. The CBN’s initiatives have supported continued growth in these inflows, aligning with the institution’s objective of doubling formal remittance receipts within a year.”
In January 2024, the CBN issued a circular that removed the previous cap on exchange rates quoted by International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).