The Central Bank of Nigeria announced Thursday the commencement of sales of foreign exchange to the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country.
CBN had in late March suspended the sale of forex to the BDCs at the commencement of coronavirus lockdown in the country.
Director Trade and Exchange Department, Dr Ozoemena Nnaji, in a circular addressed to authorised dealers and BDC operators on Thursday, CBN explained that the step was part of efforts to enhance accessibility to foreign exchange, particularly to travellers.
The circular reads, “The CBN hereby wishes to inform the general public that gradual sales of foreign exchange to licensed BDC operators will commence with effect from Sept. 7.
“Consequently, purchase of foreign exchange by BDCs shall be on Mondays and Wednesdays in the first instance. The BDCs are to ensure that their accounts with the banks are duly funded with the equivalent naira proceeds on Fridays and Tuesdays accordingly.
“Meanwhile, authorised dealers of Deposit Money Banks shall continue to sell foreign currency for travel-related invisible transactions to customers and non-customers over the counter upon presentation of relevant travel documents, passport, air ticket and visa.
“All authorised dealers and BDC operators are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance with the provision of the extant regulation on the disbursement of foreign exchange cash to travellers as any case of infraction will be appropriately sanctioned”.
