Business
Forex interventions give false hope on naira, says IMF
REGULAR foreign exchange (forex) interventions in Nigeria and other emerging economies create false sense of security and hope on the local currency, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has warned.
Nigeria, which operates a flexible exchange rate regime, spends about $16 billion annually to defend the naira.
A large part of the forex interventions are auctions at the inter-bank spot, sale of dollar for invisibles; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Bureaux De Change (BDC); Investors and Exporters (I&E) Forex window and Forwards.
In a joint report released at the weekend by IMF Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department, Tobias Adrian; Director of the Fund’s Research Department; Gita Gopinath and Director of the Strategy, Policy and Review Department Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, the trio said that while flexible exchange rates can act as a useful shock absorber in the face of capital flow volatility, they do not always offer sufficient insulation.
They said the impact of the interventions is worse when access to global capital markets is interrupted or market depth is limited.
The report quoted Fund as saying “Persistent interventions might feed a (false) sense of security about future exchange rate developments that leads firms or households to take on more foreign currency debt, thus increasing balance sheet vulnerabilities.”
The IMF team said that in a continuous effort to help countries manage volatile cross-border capital flows, it has taken a major step toward a new analytical macroeconomic framework that can guide appropriate policy responses.
IMF analysis suggests that there is no “one-size-fits-all” response to capital flow volatility, nor is it a case of “anything goes” or that all policies are equally effective.
“Optimal policies depend on the nature of shocks and country characteristics. For instance, the appropriate policy response in a country with less developed financial markets and large foreign currency debts may differ from that of a country that does not have foreign currency mismatches on their balance sheets, or those that can rely on more sophisticated (deep and liquid) markets.”
“Generally, in countries with flexible exchange rates, deep markets, and continuous market access, full exchange rate adjustment to shocks remains appropriate.
“However, when a country has certain vulnerabilities, such as shallow markets, dollarization, or poorly anchored inflation expectations, while flexible exchange rates continue to provide significant benefits, other tools can play a useful role as well.
“In particular, macro-prudential measures, foreign exchange intervention, and capital flow management measures can enhance monetary policy autonomy so monetary policy can adequately focus on containing inflation and promoting stable economic growth. The same tools—including precautionary capital flow management measures on capital inflows, applied before shocks hit—can also help lower financial stability risks.”
For them, the work reflects evolving thinking on macroeconomic policy and will feed into the upcoming review of the IMF’s Institutional View on the Liberalization and Management of Capital Flows, which currently guides the Fund’s advice and assessments of members’ policies.
According to the Fund, international capital flows provide significant benefits for economic development but can also generate or amplify shocks. This dilemma has long posed challenges for policymakers in many open economies.
It said that many policymakers reach for a mix of policy tools to complement interest rate policy when dealing with capital flows. These tools include macro-prudential measures, foreign exchange intervention, and capital flow management measures.
Such diverse approaches were also used during the COVID-19 crisis, with significant differences in responses between countries. However, despite the widespread use of the various tools, to date, there has been no clear conceptual framework to guide the integrated usage of these tools.
The new framework represents a significant advance in thinking about when various tools should and should not be used and how these tools can work together to achieve better outcomes.
-The Nation
Auto
Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner
Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner
Ultimate winner of the forthcoming NAPE Charity Golf Tournament holding in Abuja will drive home Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, a superlative sport utility vehicle.
Carloha Nigeria, one of the major sponsors of the event, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.
The golf tournament is scheduled to take place at the prestigious IBB Golf & Country Club, Abuja, on October 26, 2024.
Carloha, franchise holder and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, said its sponsorship of the tournament was part of its commitment to fostering sports development in the country.
Part of the statement read, “Chery is offering its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro as the ultimate prize for any player who achieves a hole-in-one during the tournament.
“This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts and those passionate about positively impacting our community.”
It specifically noted that the highlight of the tournament would be the incredible hole-in-one winning feat attracting a prize of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro generously provided by Carloha without insurance premium coverage for the tournament.
This prize is said to underscore Chery’s support for sporting initiatives in Nigeria and reflect the brand’s passion for nurturing talent and promoting community engagement through sports.
Director of Sales for Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, said, “We are glad to be one of the major partners in the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament, and offering an amazing prize for the hole-in-one with Tiggo 8 Pro represents Chery’s dedication to supporting sports in Nigeria, as well as enhancing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament, making it an event to remember.
“More importantly, this gesture is one of the many ways Carloha is contributing to the underprivileged in our society by associating with the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.”
By participating in this prestigious event, Golfers have the chance to showcase their skills and also contribute to a worthy cause.
Proceeds from the tournament would go towards supporting local charities, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, the statement added.
The Tiggo 8 Pro, according to the firm, is renowned for its luxury, cutting-edge technology, stylish design, dynamic performance, and it perfectly embodies Chery’s dedication to excellence for on and off-road experience.
The Tiggo 8 Pro features an elegant, high-tech electronic gearshift system that provides effortless and precise control, enhancing safety performance and ease of operation, adeptly tailored for the diverse terrains of Nigeria.
It urged golfers and sports enthusiasts to get ready to swing for success at the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.
“We look forward to seeing you at the IBB Golf Country Club as we come together to make a difference, promote sports development in Nigeria, and celebrate the Chery brand,” it stated.
As part of its commitment to make vehicle ownership easy and affordable for all, Carloha Nigeria offers a remarkable 6-year warranty/200,000 kilometers, 6-year free service on all Chery vehicles, a flexible auto financing solution with the best price for all vehicles, and 24/7 services and parts support nationwide.
This ensures that owners can enjoy their Tiggo 8 Pro with confidence, knowing they have reliable support and service from Chery for years to come.
Auto
NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide
NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has acquired equipment to establish 40 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across the country, as part of efforts to expand CNG infrastructure.
This comes as the Federal Government aims to set up 100 CNG stations within six months.
Oluwagbemi Michael, Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, revealed the plans during an event in Ogun State.
He noted that 12 CNG stations were set up in the past year, six in Abuja and six in Lagos, with further expansion underway.
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This move follows concerns over the limited availability of CNG stations, which has slowed the adoption of CNG as an alternative to petrol.
Michael highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, including a recent N122bn funding for private companies involved in CNG distribution.
He also mentioned the government’s plan to distribute one million CNG conversion kits to commercial drivers, which is expected to increase demand and attract more investors to the sector.
Additionally, existing petrol stations are being upgraded to include CNG refuelling points, with 40 such upgrades planned by the NNPC.
NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide
Business
MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike
MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike
MTN Nigeria has warned of a potential shutdown if tariffs are not increased to address the rising operational costs that are threatening the profitability of the telecommunications sector.
During a tour of MTN’s facilities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, MTN’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said the telecom sector has been facing significant financial losses and urgent measures are needed to reverse the trend.
Toriola pointed out that MTN, which currently has around 78 million subscribers, is operating on reserves accumulated over the past two decades, a situation he described as unsustainable.
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The company’s operating costs, especially diesel prices needed to power its base transceiver stations, have surged, adding pressure to its financial performance, he added.
The CEO stressed the importance of returning the telecom industry to profitability, warning that without a tariff hike, MTN might be forced to shut down operations.
“There should be no delusion; if the tariff doesn’t go up, we will shut down,” he said.
He noted that MTN, once one of the largest corporate taxpayers in Nigeria, has seen a decline in its tax contributions due to the financial challenges the sector is facing.
MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike
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