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After Payment of $7 billion forex backlog, Naira rallies as foreign reserves gained $1.04b in Q1, Says CBN
The naira regained one-fifth of value in the past five weeks as increased foreign exchange inflows saw Nigeria’s forex reserves rising by $1.04 billion in the first quarter of this year.
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The reserves, which had ended 2023 at $32.912 billion, closed weekend at $33.952 billion, an increase of $1.038 billion. The build-up of the reserves came within the same period the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) completed payment of forex backlog of $7 billion.
The naira rose by about 22 per cent in March to close at N1, 303.842 per dollar as against N1, 544.08 per dollar recorded at the end of the previous month. At the parallel market, the naira rose by about 20 per cent to close the month at N1,300 per dollar.
Analysts agreed that the forex reserves accretion and naira gain may continue in the period ahead as inflows remain upbeat.
Analysts at Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Cordros Capital, Afrinvest Securities and Arthur Steven Asset Management, said they expected the naira to remain stable in the meantime, given the monetary stance of the CBN.
Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said the current monetary stance suggests further stability in naira and increased investors’ confidence in the economy.
He noted that the high interest rate is expected to support investment inflows from portfolio investors, which combined with a quadruple in remittance inflows and rebounding oil and non-oil export earnings, will support external reserves.
“Essentially, the naira’s stability will continue amid higher interest rates,” Rewane said at the weekend.
He added that while it might still take some time for exchange rate gains to translate to reduced commodity prices in the open markets, “the future holds bright promises.”
Cordros Capital acknowledged CBN’s continuous efforts in the forex market, which are expected to keep the naira stable in the meantime.
Afrinvest stated that naira would remain stable and trade within similar band over the next weeks as the apex bank continues to attract more capital ireserve.
Managing Director, Arthur Steven Asset Management Olatunde Amolegbe said continuing increase in forex reserves will support current efforts aimed at fostering liquidity and stability at the forex market.
“The increase is a positive signal for improved liquidity in the forex market. This should ultimately help to stabilise the exchange rate and strengthen it further,” Amolegbe said.
President, Association of Capital Market Academics in Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke said any increase places the CBN in a stronger position to meet forex obligations as well as intervene in the forex market.
“If this development is sustained, we are likely to witness an appreciation of the naira in the forex market and more stability in the exchange rate following improved liquidity. This is one positive development capable of keeping away destructive speculators from the forex market,” Uwaleke said.
He noted that inflation rate would most likely moderate given the exchange rate pass-through to commodity prices.
With the lingering crises in Middle East and Eastern Europe amid elevated oil demand, most analysts expect crude oil price to remain substantially above Nigeria’s budget benchmark of $77.96 per barrel.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its latest report, increased its global crude oil demand projection for 2024 by 1.3 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 103.2mbpd.
IEA estimated that extended output cuts by Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its affiliates (OPEC+) would continue to moderate supply output, keeping off any major downside volatility.
OPEC+ members had extended their voluntary production cuts of 2.2mbpd into the second quarter of 2024, with expectation of further extension beyond the first half.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso has outlined that ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s forex position would lead to increased stability in forex reserves and naira.
According to him, the collaboration with Ministry of Finance and the NNPCL to ensure that all forex inflows are returned to the CBN will greatly enhance forex flows and contribute to the accretion of reserves.
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, marking a pivotal achievement in the Group’s Pan-African expansion strategy.The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to attract senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the strategic economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.The new subsidiary, licensed in December 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and Budget, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, will commence operations from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.The launch represents a strategic move to deepen the Bank’s presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Positioned as a gateway for cross-border trade and investment, Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.Commenting on the launch, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “From the very beginning, our Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia CFR, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets. The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent. As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”The new subsidiary will be headed by MD/CEO Mr. Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience. Speaking ahead of the official opening, he said “We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration. Our focus is to showcase the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight. We are well positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region.”The Côte d’Ivoire launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental growth strategy. In addition to the Anglophone countries where it currently operates, and in line with the expansion into the Francophone market, the Bank has commenced its entry process into the CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) region, with Cameroon as the focal point. With a footprint already spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China, Zenith Bank continues to bridge African markets with global opportunities, enabling seamless trade and financial connectivity across the continent and beyond.
Founded in 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a consistent track record of strong financial performance. For 16 consecutive years, the Bank has held the record of highest Tier-1 capital in the Nigerian banking industry. Built on the foundation of People, Technology, and Service, Zenith Bank continues to deliver innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. Its performance has earned it numerous local and international recognitions and endorsements.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, scheduled to hold from Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.Geographic Reference
This year’s theme, “Everything Food and Drink,” captures the expansive nature of the Festival experience. It reflects not only the variety of cuisines on display but also the depth of stories behind them. Over the years, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has grown far beyond a seasonal celebration to become a culturally significant platform where food and drink serve as a meeting point for storytelling, innovation, and opportunity. The Festival will feature 204 free retail stalls, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of our food culture; from time-honoured traditional dishes preserved across generations, to bold contemporary interpretations of global cuisine, creating space for every flavour, every technique, and every craving to find expression.
Visitors can expect a rich programme featuring interactive masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, food and wine tastings, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing small and medium-scale food businesses alongside established culinary brands. In addition to its wide range of food and drink offerings, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a well-equipped play area and a variety of engaging activities for children, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 edition, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, emphasized the Festival’s continued evolution as both a cultural and economic enabler: “The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has, over the years, become a living expression of what we stand for as an institution: innovation, opportunity, and enterprise that is accessible to all. What makes this platform special is not just its scale, but its humanity. It brings together people from different walks of life around something universal—food and drink—and in doing so, it breaks barriers and builds connections that extend far beyond the event itself.”
Since inception, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most prominent culinary gatherings, attracting participation from across Nigeria and increasingly from the wider continent and diaspora.
Admission remains free and open to all, reaffirming the Festival’s commitment to accessibility as a consumer-focused event that brings people together through food, drink, culture, and enterprise.
For more information on the event, please visit: https://foodanddrink.gtcoplc.com
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