Reps Want FG To Allow Chinese Yuan As Official Foreign Exchange Currency in Nigeria, Give Reasons

Reps Want FG To Allow Chinese Yuan As Official Foreign Exchange Currency in Nigeria, Give Reasons

  • Lawmakers are calling on the federal government to adopt the Chinese Yuan as an official foreign exchange currency
  • They believe if implemented, the policy will help the naira recover its lost value
  • The Naira has been under serious pressure both at the official and unofficial exchange market

The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to adopt a 2018 policy to recognise the Chinese Yuan as an official foreign currency for conducting business transactions in Nigeria.

The move the lawmakers believe will help reduce the pressure on the naira and its depreciation.

Naira to dollar exchange rate
Lawmakers are asking the federal government to implement use of Yuan for foreign trade Photo credit: CBN
Source: Getty Images

The house reached this resolution after adopting a motion sponsored by Hon. Jafaru Leko.

Why Reps wants Chinese Yuan as official currency

The house argued that considering the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, the Chinese currency should serve as an official foreign exchange reserve alongside other major international currencies.

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The committees on banking regulations, banking, and other ancillary institutions will now liaise with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to explore the appropriate mechanisms, policies, and partnerships required to implement the policy.

Chinese Yuan will help Naira

Speaking on his motion, Leko said the Nigerian economy has experienced substantial shifts regarding the value of the Naira, triggering economic instability and uncertainty.

According to him, the International Monetary Fund proposed diversification of foreign exchange reserves for central banks of developing countries, including Nigeria.

Hon. Leko said the global economic landscape is evolving, and international trade dynamics are shifting, with China assuming a leading role in global trade.

He said the People's Republic of China has a stable and globally recognised currency, the Chinese Yuan (CNY), which is gaining recognition in international trade;

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He said adopting the Chinese Yuan as an additional foreign exchange reserve currency might mitigate the adverse effects of Naira depreciation, reduce the risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations, and enhance Nigeria's economic stability.

He argued that doing so would enhance Nigeria's trade and economic ties with China, a crucial trading partner.

Nigeria Customs sets new exchange rate to clear imported goods

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria customs adjusted the foreign exchange rate for clearing imported goods at Nigerian ports

The new rates were intended to reflect the depreciation of the Naira against the Dollar across the foreign exchange markets.

With the new rate, the cost of imported goods will increase nationwide.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.