CBN Tightens Naira Dollar(Forex) Regulations: BDCs Face Stricter Limits and Potential License Suspension
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued new directives aimed at regulating the foreign exchange (forex) market and curbing potential abuses. The new guidelines, which came into effect recently, impose stricter limits on Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and introduce penalties for non-compliance, including potential license suspension. Key Highlights of the New Forex Regulations: Limited Forex Purchases for BDCs: BDCs can now only purchase a maximum of $25,000 per week from a single authorized dealer bank. This measure aims to prevent BDCs from approaching multiple banks to accumulate large forex allocations, thereby reducing the risk of misuse. Maximum Disbursement Limit: BDCs now have access t o a maximum disbursement of $5,000 per transaction per quarter for eligible transactions such as business and personal travel allowances, overseas school fees, and medical expenses. Price Ceiling for BDCs: BDCs are mandated to sell forex to end-users at a rate not exc...