The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Thursday, projected less revenues from oil exports in 2024, just as it declared that the total trade from Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), stood at N18.804 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2023.
He said: “The outlook for the domestic economy remains positive and expected to maintain the positive trajectory for 2024.
“Inflation pressures may persist in the short-term but is expected to decline in 2024. Exchange rate pressures are also expected to reduce significantly with the smooth functioning of foreign exchange market.”
The bank chief specifically informed the committee members that the unification of the exchange rate windows in June 2023, has ushered in a new approach to the management of the exchange rate, aimed at reducing arbitrage, rent seeking behaviour and speculation in the market.
“The policy aims at creating a market where the demand and supply of foreign exchange determines the exchange rate. The premium has narrowed and our focus on increasing the autonomous FX supply , would lead to more stability and further narrowing of the premium.
“Total Trade in the third quarter of 2023, stood at N18.804.68billion. Exports were valued at N10.346.60billion while total imports stood at N8.457.68billion . This represents positive trade balance , which would lead to increase of the external reserves,” he said.
He, however, stated that due to domestic prevailing factors, less revenues, would be earned from oil exports in 2024.
He said: “We expect less revenue from oil exports due to the production limit of 1.78mbpd in 2024 . OPEC approved quota for Nigeria is 1.8mbpd , which is higher than the 2024 budget assumption.
“However, the country ‘s production has been below these thresholds. The budget benchmark for 2023 was 1.69mbpd, but the highest level of production during the year, was about 1.35mbpd in Q3 of 2023.
“The reasons for the underperformance of the oil production target , include , crude oil theft and pipeline vandalization , production shut – ins and divestments by major oil companies.”
SOURCE: THESUN
