BEVERLY HILSS, December 01, (THEWILL) – The Central Bank of Nigeria says it has amended the procedures for receipt of diaspora remittances as part of its efforts to boost the foreign exchange market.
In a circular signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr O. S. Nnaji, the CBN said: “To liberalise, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of diaspora remittances into Nigeria, beneficiaries of diaspora remittances through International Money Transfer”, Operators should henceforth, receive such inflows in foreign currency through the designated bank of their choice.
It added that such recipients of remittances may have the option of receiving these funds in foreign currency cash or in their ordinary domiciliary account.
Part of the circular read, “These changes are necessary to deepen the foreign exchange market, provide more liquidity and create more transparency in the administration of diaspora remittances in Nigeria.
“In addition, these changes would help finance streams of investment opportunities for Nigerians in diaspora, while also guaranteeing that recipients of remittances would receive a market-reflective exchange rate for their inflows.
“All authorised dealers and the general public should note that beneficiaries shall have unfettered access and utilisation to such foreign currency proceeds, either in cash and/or in their domiciliary accounts, in line with our circular TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/010.”
With the new rule, THEWILL reports that remittances to the country through any of the licensed money transfer agencies could be paid out in the foreign currency it was sent if the sender so wishes.
