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Nigeria’s Forex Market Needs Clear, Enforceable Rules: i-invest

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1 year ago

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Chairman of brokerage firm, Parthian Partners Limited, owners of digital investment platform, i-invest, Dotun Sulaiman (MFR), has expressed optimism about the potential impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) proposed policy documentation on rules of the foreign exchange market operation in Nigeria.

 

Sulaiman disclosed this during an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing National Economic Summit in Abuja, yesterday.

 

The CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso, had disclosed during a panel session at the summit that the bank will publish robust policy documentation on what the rules of the foreign exchange market operation will be in the coming weeks.

 

Sulaiman believes that these measures could bring much-needed order and discipline to a market that has been described as “a jungle” due to its lack of clear rules and accountability.

He said, “The role the CBN Governor is coming up with is the answer to the free fall. When you have a market that is almost like a jungle, where there are no rules, anything comes and goes, what you get is what we are getting now.”

 

Sulaiman emphasized the importance of clear and enforceable rules for the market, citing the current lack of transparency in exchange rates as a prime example of the challenges facing Nigeria’s economy. He stated that the problem in Nigeria is not just the lack of rules but also the failure to enforce the existing ones but in the enforcement of rules and the development of a more organized regulatory environment.

 

Speaking on investment, he stressed that investment decisions require a clear understanding of the parameters and factors influencing the market, both controllable and non-controllable. He believes that discipline and confidence in the system are essential to inspire investment, as no one is willing to invest in a situation characterized by unpredictability. “It is confidence that inspires investment; nobody will invest in a situation where you don’t know what will happen,” Sulaiman said.

 

Also, according to him, Nigeria needs a stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, highlighting that the government alone cannot resolve the country’s economic challenges. He stressed that a conducive environment, enforcement of rules, and inspired confidence are necessary to encourage investment.

 

Investment, according to Suleiman, is about taking a risk today for returns in the future. However, he acknowledged that a lack of certainty and clear boundaries hampers investment in Nigeria, which he attributes to the absence of a rule of law and a breach of contracts.

 

Sulaiman also touched on the issue of Nigeria’s mounting debt and its impact on the economy. He advocated for improved productivity as a means to tackle the country’s debt woes, suggesting that a productive economy would reduce the need for borrowing. He noted that Nigeria’s debt had become burdensome due to the mismanagement of borrowed funds and the disproportionate interest burden relative to revenue.

 

The solution, Sulaiman argued, is not to borrow less but to generate more revenue internally, including through increased tax collection. He stressed that Nigerians pay some of the lowest taxes relative to GDP in the world, making it imperative for the government to boost tax revenue.

 

i-invest, a platform that aims to democratize investing in Nigeria, was introduced five years ago. The platform simplifies investing for people from all walks of life, allowing them to invest in various financial instruments with as little as ₦5,000. The initiative is designed to encourage a culture of saving and investment among the general public, making investment opportunities accessible to a broader spectrum of the population.

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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7 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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20 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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21 hours ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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