The first Bill, titled “The Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment Amendment) Bill, 2023”, focuses on preventing partisan politics which appears to be rampant at CBN. The second Bill is titled “A Bill to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, and for matters connected therewith, 2023”. They were sponsored by Senator Steve Karimi and Senator Darlington Nwokocha respectively.
Although both Bills affect the CBN, the motivation behind them is very different. The first Bill was necessitated by the involvement of one of the former presidents of the CBN and the need to curb the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions. The second Bill was introduced to counter the current lack of accountability, transparency and trust in the apex bank. Both Bills have passed the second reading in the Senate and will soon become law in the country.
Commenting on the Bills, Biola Adimula, Principal Partner at Biola Adimula & Co, said, “These are steps in the right direction as the passage of the Bills will put the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the best position to properly represent the country’s interest and steer the economy through the financial sector. Considering the economic issues affecting the country’s growth, the Bill introduced the unification of exchange rates for foreign currency transactions through the financial services industry. By introducing this, there will be adequate monitoring of transactions, particularly in foreign currency, that are depleting the value of Nigeria’s local currency (Naira). In essence, the hoarding of foreign currencies is discouraged.”
Adimula also noted that “the introduction of the separation of powers of the Chairman and that of the Governor of the CBN, as well as checks and prohibition of participation of the leadership in partisan politics, will go a long way in reforming the system of governance in the apex bank which have been adjudged to be unethical by most Nigerians.”
Amos Ubale, an associate at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, said, “The Bills have commendable provisions, and the desire to increase transparency and accountability is not a cause that should be taken lightly. The efforts to ensure that the apex player in the banking sector in Nigeria is above board in its dealings is a welcome sight. One can only hope the provisions will work efficiently to meet the objectives in practical terms once enacted.”
Ubale was, however, concerned about the restrictions on the use of foreign currency. “What is worrisome is the provision prohibiting dealings in foreign currency. This is bound to have economic repercussions. The number of transactions carried out in foreign currency in Nigeria is far from negligible. A great many transactions with foreign entities rely on the ability to transact domestically in foreign currency, so this provision might cause more harm than good as it appears counterproductive and I don’t consider it a necessity when the potentially adverse effect on foreign exchange is taken into account.”
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