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CBN Warns Against Using Foreign Currencies For Domestic Transaction
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned individuals and corporate organisations against the use of foreign currency to carry out transactions in the country.
This decision was made public on April 7, 2015, through a press release signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu, Director, Corporate Communications.
“The attention of the bank has been drawn to the increasing use of foreign currencies in the domestic economy as a medium of payment for goods and services by individuals and corporate organisations.
“It has also been observed that some institutions price their goods and services in foreign currencies and demand payments in foreign currencies rather than the Naira which is the legal tender in Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the attention of the general public is hereby drawn to the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007, which states inter-alia that “the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be legal tender in Nigeria…for the payment of any amount,” the press statement stated.
It added: “Furthermore, the Act stipulates that any person(s) who contravenes this provision is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a prescribed fine or six months imprisonment.”
The statement also pointed out that the prohibition was without prejudice to foreigners, visitors and tourists in the country, adding that these categories of people are encouraged to continue to use their cards for payments or exchange their foreign currency for local currency at any of the authorized dealers’ outpost.
It advised the general public to report any contravention of the provision of the act to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria for appropriate action.
This decision was made public on April 7, 2015, through a press release signed by Alhaji Ibrahim Mu’azu, Director, Corporate Communications.
CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
“It has also been observed that some institutions price their goods and services in foreign currencies and demand payments in foreign currencies rather than the Naira which is the legal tender in Nigeria.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the attention of the general public is hereby drawn to the provisions of the CBN Act of 2007, which states inter-alia that “the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be legal tender in Nigeria…for the payment of any amount,” the press statement stated.
It added: “Furthermore, the Act stipulates that any person(s) who contravenes this provision is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a prescribed fine or six months imprisonment.”
The statement also pointed out that the prohibition was without prejudice to foreigners, visitors and tourists in the country, adding that these categories of people are encouraged to continue to use their cards for payments or exchange their foreign currency for local currency at any of the authorized dealers’ outpost.
It advised the general public to report any contravention of the provision of the act to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria for appropriate action.
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