The House of Representatives is moving to revive the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA) signed between Nigeria and China.
The lower chamber, on Wednesday, resolved to liaise with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to speed up the implementation of the currency swap deal.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Jafaru Leko (APC, Bauchi) during plenary.
Three months after the agreement, the CBN commenced the take-off of the scheme through the Special Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) retail dedicated to the payment of Renminbi denominated Letters of Credit (LCs) for raw materials and machinery and agriculture only.
However, not much has been heard on the financial instrument.
The motion
In his motion, Mr Leko called for the outright adoption of the Yuan as one of the major currencies for Nigeria’s foreign reserve.
He stated that monetary authorities must consider the Chinese Yuan as an alternative trading currency in the face of the decline of the Naira against the US dollar and major currencies.
Mr Leko called for the adoption of the Chinese Yuan (CNY) as an official foreign exchange reserve currency alongside others.
The legislator said the CBN must explore the appropriate mechanisms, policies, and partnerships required for the implementation of the shift to Yuan.
“Global economic landscape is evolving and international trade dynamics are shifting, with China assuming a leading role in global trade.
“People’s Republic of China has a stable and globally recognised currency, the Chinese Yuan (CNY), which is gaining recognition in international trade,” Mr Leko said.
To buttress his point, the lawmaker said “Adopting the Chinese Yuan as an additional foreign exchange reserve currency might mitigate the adverse effects of Naira depreciation.”
He added that “It would enhance Nigeria’s trade and economic ties with China, a crucial trading partner.”
But the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, who presided over the session, said there was no need for the House to call for a new policy, instead, the government should revive the currency swap scheme.
Subsequently, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) moved an amendment to urge the speeding up of the 2018 current swap agreement.
The motion was passed as amended when Mr Kalu put it to vote.
The Committees on Banking Regulations, Banking and Other Ancillary Institutions were mandated to interface with the CBN on the policy and report to the House within four weeks.
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The House of Representatives is moving to revive the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement (BCSA) signed between Nigeria and China.
The lower chamber, on Wednesday, resolved to liaise with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to speed up the implementation of the currency swap deal.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Jafaru Leko (APC, Bauchi) during plenary.
Three months after the agreement, the CBN commenced the take-off of the scheme through the Special Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) retail dedicated to the payment of Renminbi denominated Letters of Credit (LCs) for raw materials and machinery and agriculture only.
However, not much has been heard on the financial instrument.
The motion
In his motion, Mr Leko called for the outright adoption of the Yuan as one of the major currencies for Nigeria’s foreign reserve.
He stated that monetary authorities must consider the Chinese Yuan as an alternative trading currency in the face of the decline of the Naira against the US dollar and major currencies.
Mr Leko called for the adoption of the Chinese Yuan (CNY) as an official foreign exchange reserve currency alongside others.
The legislator said the CBN must explore the appropriate mechanisms, policies, and partnerships required for the implementation of the shift to Yuan.
“Global economic landscape is evolving and international trade dynamics are shifting, with China assuming a leading role in global trade.
“People’s Republic of China has a stable and globally recognised currency, the Chinese Yuan (CNY), which is gaining recognition in international trade,” Mr Leko said.
To buttress his point, the lawmaker said “Adopting the Chinese Yuan as an additional foreign exchange reserve currency might mitigate the adverse effects of Naira depreciation.”
He added that “It would enhance Nigeria’s trade and economic ties with China, a crucial trading partner.”
But the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, who presided over the session, said there was no need for the House to call for a new policy, instead, the government should revive the currency swap scheme.
Subsequently, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) moved an amendment to urge the speeding up of the 2018 current swap agreement.
The motion was passed as amended when Mr Kalu put it to vote.
The Committees on Banking Regulations, Banking and Other Ancillary Institutions were mandated to interface with the CBN on the policy and report to the House within four weeks.
Support PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
Donate
TEXT AD: Call Willie – +2348098788999