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CBN announces new programme to attract $200bn foreign exchange annually

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CBN to stop sale of foreign exchange to banks by end of 2022

By Matthew Eloyi

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a foreign exchange programme endorsed by the Bankers’ Committee to assist the country in repatriating $200 billion in foreign currency per year.

At the post-Bankers’ Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele revealed the idea dubbed “RT200 FX scheme.”

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The move comes as part of the country’s aggressive effort to boost foreign exchange earnings.

Foreign exchange crunch is depleting the value of the naira as well as the Nigerian foreign exchange reserves.

Nigeria earns foreign currency from foreign portfolio and direct investment, crude oil import receipts, diaspora remittances, and export proceeds.

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The sources were badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and Nigeria has not recovered fully from the negative impact of the crisis.

Emefiele said, “For the inadequacy of FX supply and the constant pressure on the exchange rate, we believe that the lessons we have learnt from our policies on remittances can be applied in improving some aspects of our FX inflow into the country.

Emefiele lamented that the four sources are unreliable as they are prone to global economic developments.

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In his words, “We have all been witnesses to the ever-changing fortunes of oil exporting countries. In order to avoid these sudden adjustments to our economic life, we need to focus as a nation on strategies that can help us gain more stable and sustainable foreign exchange inflows into our country.

“After careful consideration of the available options and the wide consultation of the banking community, the CBN is effectively announcing the Bankers Committee RT200 FX Programme which stands for the ‘Race to $200bn in FX’ repatriation into Nigeria.

“The RT200 FX programme is the set of policy plans and programmes for non-oil exports that will enable us attain a lofty yet attainable goal of $200bn in FX repatriation exclusively from non-oil exports over the next three to five years and we are optimistic that this can be achieved.”

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Emefiele disclosed that the RT200 FX programme will have five key anchors which include: value adding exports facility; non-oil commodities expansion facility; non-oil FX rebate scheme; dedicated non-oil export terminal and bi-annual non- oil export summit.

He said “the value adding exports facility will provide stationary and long-term funding for business people who are interested in expanding existing plants or building brand new ones for the sole purpose of adding significant value to our non-oil commodities before exporting the same abroad.”

The CBN Governor said this is because Nigeria has missed out in the foreign exchange that could be generated from the export of value added commodities.

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For instance, Emefiele said Nigeria produces about 770,000MT of sesame seed, cashew and cocoa and only 12,000MT are consumed locally, while the rest are exported.

“The unfortunate thing is that out of the 758,000MT that are exported annually, only 16.8 per cent is processed. The rest are exported as raw sesame, raw cocoa and raw cashew, thereby giving Nigerian farmers an infinitesimal part of the value chain in this product,” said the CBN boss.

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Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

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President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
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“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

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Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

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Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

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“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

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On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

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King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

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His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

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He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

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