The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced on Wednesday in Abuja that the country's external reserves of $42.01 billion can finance the importation of goods and services for more than nine months. The apex bank also assured Nigerians of improved economic prospects in 2025.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed this while presenting the bank's performance index report to the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East). According to him, external reserves rose from $38.35 billion as of September 30, 2024, to $42.01 billion as of December 12, 2024. The increase was largely driven by receipts from crude oil-related taxes and third-party inflows in Q3 2024. We maintained a current account surplus and witnessed remarkable improvements in our trade balance. Our external reserves level can finance over 9.09 months of imports of goods and services or 13.91 months of imports of goods alone. This is significantly higher than the international benchmark of three months and provides a robust buffer against economic shocks,” he explained. On the issue of cash shortage, the CBN governor reiterated the implementation of a new policy imposing a fine of N150 million on any bank branch found engaging in the illegal distribution of new naira notes to currency hawkers or other unscrupulous individuals. He also expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy would improve in the 2025 fiscal year through policies and measures already implemented. “Distinguished Senators, as we conclude this briefing, I want to highlight that despite the challenges facing our economy, there are clear reasons for optimism. The gradual stabilisation of the forex market, ongoing banking sector recapitalisation, and positive growth trends in key sectors—especially the services sector—indicate a path toward recovery and stability,” he said