• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Friday, June 27, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

NAIRA RANKED AMONGST AFRICA’S WORST PERFORMING CURRENCIES IN 2024

Vincent Amadi by Vincent Amadi
October 16, 2024
in Economy
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
0
NAIRA RANKED AMONGST AFRICA’S WORST PERFORMING CURRENCIES IN 2024
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram

The Nigerian naira has been identified as one of the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa for the year 2024, according to a recent World Bank report titled Africa’s Pulse. This report highlighted that, by the end of August 2024, the naira had lost about 43% of its value year-to-date. This sharp decline places it alongside the Ethiopian birr and the South Sudanese pound as one of the weakest currencies in the region.

The report stated: “Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria are among the worst performing in Africa this year, and their currencies continue weakening while demand for foreign exchange remains pressing. Measures to mitigate social unrest associated with the high cost of living in Angola (doubling of the minimum wage) and Nigeria (partially reinstating fuel subsidies) are putting pressure on their public finances.”

Several critical factors have driven the depreciation of the naira. Chief among them is the surging demand for U.S. dollars on the parallel market, combined with limited dollar inflows and delayed foreign exchange disbursements by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). As the World Bank explained, the demand for dollars from financial institutions, non-financial entities, and money managers has put intense pressure on the naira, accelerating its downward spiral.

“The Angolan kwanza, Malawian kwacha, Nigerian naira, South Sudanese pound, and Zambian kwacha were the worst performing currencies in the region that year. More broadly, the weakening of most African currencies resulted from foreign exchange shortages as export proceeds were subdued and international debt payments increased. By August 2024, the Ethiopian birr, Nigerian naira, and South Sudanese pound were among the worst performers in the region. The Nigerian naira continued losing value, with a year-to-date depreciation of about 43% as of end-August. Surges in demand for US dollars in the parallel market, driven by financial institutions, money managers, and non-financial end-users, combined with limited dollar inflows and slow foreign exchange disbursements to currency exchange bureaus by the central bank explain the weakening of the naira,” the report stated.

Despite efforts by the Nigerian government to stabilize the currency through foreign exchange market reforms—most notably the liberalization of the official exchange rate in June 2023—these measures have not been enough to halt the naira’s rapid decline. The currency’s persistent weakening is symptomatic of broader economic challenges facing Nigeria, including shrinking foreign currency reserves and rising inflation.

The World Bank report further emphasized that the naira’s depreciation has led to elevated domestic prices, particularly for imported goods, intensifying the financial burden on Nigerian consumers. The weakening of the currency has resulted in higher living costs, making basic necessities more expensive and putting immense strain on households across the country.

Meanwhile, other African currencies, such as the Kenyan shilling and the South African rand, have begun to show signs of recovery after facing challenges in 2023. For example, the Kenyan shilling saw a year-to-date appreciation of 21% by the end of August 2024, making it one of the top-performing currencies in the region. However, foreign exchange shortages continue to be a concern for many African nations, including Nigeria.

The devaluation of the naira has exacerbated inflationary pressures, particularly in sectors heavily reliant on imported goods and services, such as transportation. As fuel prices continue to rise, transportation costs have surged, further straining the economy. Despite the Nigerian government’s fiscal reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, the World Bank projects that inflation will remain elevated in the months ahead.

Even though the naira had shown signs of recovery earlier in the week with an appreciation of over 5%, it suffered a steep decline on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The currency depreciated by 6.39%, closing at N1,658.97/$1, down from N1,552.92/$1 recorded the previous day, according to data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange. This sharp decline was accompanied by a 36.62% drop in foreign exchange turnover, which fell from $343.71 million on Monday to $217.86 million on Tuesday. The reduced foreign exchange turnover reflects the growing scarcity of dollars in the market, compounding the pressure on the naira.

Earlier reports indicated that the naira had reached a new record low in the parallel market, closing at N1,700 per dollar on Monday, October 14, 2024, marking a 0.29% drop from its previous rate of N1,695/$1. Additionally, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose to 32.70% in September 2024, up from 32.15% in August, representing a 0.55% month-on-month increase. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the surge in inflation was primarily driven by rising transportation costs and escalating food prices.

The combination of a rapidly depreciating currency, skyrocketing inflation, and ongoing economic instability continues to weigh heavily on Nigeria’s economy, with no immediate end in sight. As the country grapples with these challenges, experts warn that urgent and robust policy measures are needed to reverse the downward trajectory of the naira and restore stability to the economy.

Vincent Amadi

Vincent Amadi

Related Posts

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s
Economy

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s

7 days ago
Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments
Economy

Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments

1 week ago
PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy
Economy

PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy

1 week ago
Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide
Economy

Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide

2 weeks ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

We have settled our differences, ready to work together with Fubara – Wike
National

We have settled our differences, ready to work together with Fubara – Wike

32 minutes ago
Tinubu can’t find solution to Nigerians’ suffering, says Group 
National

Tinubu to Sign Tax Reform Bills, Transforming Nigeria’s Revenue and Business Environment

1 day ago
17 Soldiers Killed as Bandits Attack Military Bases in Niger State
National

17 Soldiers Killed as Bandits Attack Military Bases in Niger State

1 day ago
Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos
National

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos

2 days ago
Benue Police Launch Drone Rescue Operation for Kidnapped Travellers
National

Benue Police Launch Drone Rescue Operation for Kidnapped Travellers

3 days ago
Atiku to Tinubu: Tell Nigerians the Truth About Your ‘Chicago Classmate’ claim
National

Atiku to Tinubu: Tell Nigerians the Truth About Your ‘Chicago Classmate’ claim

3 days ago

POLITICS

PDP Crisis Deepens as NWC Members Reject Anyanwu

PDP Crisis Deepens as NWC Members Reject Anyanwu

1 day ago
President Tinubu should Declare State of Emergency in Benue – Security expert Babaeko

2027 ELECTIONS: Tinubu Dismisses 2027 Coalition, Calls Opponents Political IDPs

1 day ago
INEC Receives 110 Applications from Associations Seeking Registration as Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections(see list)

INEC Receives 110 Applications from Associations Seeking Registration as Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections(see list)

2 days ago
PDP Crisis: PDP Confirms Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary

PDP Crisis: PDP Confirms Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary

2 days ago
Reno Omokri is a delusional liar, talks rubbish nonstop – Segun Showunmi

Reno Omokri is a delusional liar, talks rubbish nonstop – Segun Showunmi

3 days ago
SDP Suspends National Chairman Gabam Over Alleged ₦100M Fraud

SDP Suspends National Chairman Gabam Over Alleged ₦100M Fraud

3 days ago

YOUR ECONOMY

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s
Economy

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s

7 days ago
Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments
Economy

Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments

1 week ago
PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy
Economy

PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy

1 week ago
Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide
Economy

Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide

2 weeks ago
Nigeria Stock Exchange to Partner with Hong Kong’s Stock market
Economy

Nigeria Stock Exchange to Partner with Hong Kong’s Stock market

2 weeks ago
Dangote refinery is Tinubu’s brainchild – Aliko
Economy

Dangote refinery is Tinubu’s brainchild – Aliko

3 weeks ago

E & P

Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Contract, Commits to Saudi Pro League Project Until 2027
Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Contract, Commits to Saudi Pro League Project Until 2027

by Steven Atogi
21 hours ago
0

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his stay at Al Nassr, signing a fresh Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr contract until 2027.The...

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Price by 50%

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Price by 50%

2 days ago
Favour Ofili Dumps Nigeria for Turkey After AFN’s Olympic Blunder

Favour Ofili Dumps Nigeria for Turkey After AFN’s Olympic Blunder

5 days ago
Napoli Eye Darwin Nunez Transfer to Strengthen Attack for 2025 Serie A Title Defense

Napoli Eye Darwin Nunez Transfer to Strengthen Attack for 2025 Serie A Title Defense

6 days ago
Breaking: Barcelona Sign Catalan Goalkeeper Joan García for €25m After Domestic Treble Success

Breaking: Barcelona Sign Catalan Goalkeeper Joan García for €25m After Domestic Treble Success

1 week ago
Trent Alexander-Arnold unveiled for Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold unveiled for Real Madrid

2 weeks ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality
Columns

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality

by Kiikpoye Karibo
2 days ago
ON THE PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLED SOWORE
Opinion

ON THE PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLED SOWORE

by Kiikpoye Karibo
4 months ago
Data Visualizations
Columns

Five Key Considerations for Creating Effective Data Visualizations

by Blessing Chinyere Daniel
5 months ago
The Transformative Power of AI in Revolutionizing Industries and Empowering Growth
Columns

The Transformative Power of AI in Revolutionizing Industries and Empowering Growth

by Blessing Chinyere Daniel
6 months ago
Navigating the Turbulent Terrain of Entrepreneurship: The Power of Tenacity, Growth Mind-set, and Grit
Columns

Navigating the Turbulent Terrain of Entrepreneurship: The Power of Tenacity, Growth Mind-set, and Grit

by Uloma Harrison-Ikenwanze
7 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

We have settled our differences, ready to work together with Fubara – Wike

We have settled our differences, ready to work together with Fubara – Wike

June 27, 2025
Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos

Lagos State Government Denies Demolishing Property Allegedly owned to Peter Obi’s Brother, Orders Investigation

June 26, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address