Business
Manufacturers Lament $2.4bn Outstanding Forex Claims
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stated that the failure of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to clear $2.4 billion worth of foreign exchange (forex) forward contracts has caused serious problems for manufacturers leading to a hike in the prices of products and closure of businesses.
Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, who diclosed this in a statement, said the continued delay was eroding trust of investors in the bank to fulfill contracts signed with manufacturers in purchasing goods pegged in foreign currency.
The Tide’s source reports that since the assumption of office of the Olayemi Cardoso-led management, the CBN has cleared over $4bn out of the inherited $7billion, while about $2.5billion is yet to be cleared, thus, raising concerns from manufacturers.
Recall that the CBN invited the Economic and Finanacial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the claim.
The MAN DG, however, noted that while the bank cited an ongoing investigation by EFCC for the delay, businesses that borrowed money from banks to get the letter of credit had made huge losses with the increase in the rate of dollar to naira between 2023 and 2024.
According to him, “This $2.4billion worth of forward contracts from the backlog of $7billion has triggered a severe crisis for the manufacturing sector and Nigerian economy.
“Worse still, the commercial banks have continued to charge dollar accounts along with other Naira bank charges such as 35 per cent interest rate on the facilities that these companies have with their banks.
“All these have significantly eroded the working capital of the companies who barely make margins of 5 per cent on the sales of the products.
“This rather worrisome breach of contract has further exacerbated currency risk for businesses, leading to substantial financial losses and operational disruptions”.
Ajayi-Kadir continued that businesses with substantial foreign exchange liabilities faced acute ontracts.
credit and liquidity risks due to their inability to settle forward contracts.
“This strains cash flow, jeopardises overall financial stability. While many small and medium-sized enterprises have been forced to close or temporarily suspend operations, larger corporations have incurred massive foreign exchange losses exceeding over N300billion in the second half of 2023.
“This situation has been exacerbated by the continuous depreciation of the naira, which has depreciated by more than 72 per cent, from N450 to N1,600 per dollar over the past year”, he said.
He also noted that manufacturing concerns had been worse hit within the last six months, with companies incurring over N1.5trillion in forex-related transaction losses.
The DG stated that to prevent further damage, there should be collaboration between the CBN, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the private sector to develop a sustainable framework for resolving outstanding forward contracts and improving foreign exchange inflows.
Meanwhile, the CBN on Wednesday auctioned $876million to clear part of the retail forex request.
It did this through the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) which is designed to facilitate forex sales to end users directly, promoting a more transparent market, reducing information asymmetry and aiding in price discovery.
The CBN said in a statement that “In the latest testament to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) ongoing commitment to support the proper functioning of the foreign exchange market by enhancing liquidity when necessary, the apex bank offered $876million to fulfill bids submitted by customers at an auction concluded on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Kolomoni Microfinance Bank has awarded grants to five female entrepreneurs to boost their businesses as part of its commitment to promoting women in business.
The initiative, organized to mark International Women’s Day, was themed “Accelerate Her Growth.”
According to the bank, the decision to support women was inspired by World Bank data, which shows that 41 percent of Nigeria’s micro-businesses are owned by women.
Delivering the keynote address, business strategist, Ebun Akinwale, emphasized that entrepreneurship requires resilience, creativity, and passion.
She illustrated this by recounting her own business challenges and highlighting the critical role passion plays in overcoming obstacles.
The event underscored Kolomoni’s mission to empower women and support small businesses in Nigeria.
Other speakers at the occasion were Odunayo Oyebolu, a seasoned entrepreneur; Victori Ajiboye, a marketing strategist with global experience; and Simi Ojumu, a finance expert.
The beneficiaries said the financial support was a validation of their hard work and a boost of confidence towards scaling through in their businesses.
The winners were selected after sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and presenting business proposals for financial assistance from the bank.
The 8th edition of the Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Summit and Awards (Nigeria SMEAwards) is set to take place in Lagos for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone for this prestigious event.
Endorsed by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit driving Nigeria’s economy.
The visionary convener of NigeriaSMEAwards 2025, Adedayo Olalekan, said, “Governors from Zamfara, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Enugu, Ekiti, Benue, and Kaduna States have all implemented transformative initiatives that have greatly benefitted local enterprises.
“Their contributions will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.”
Speaking at a recent press conference in Lagos, Olalekan emphasised that the event would introduce a fresh and unique approach, moving away from tradition.
“Despite economic challenges, Nigerians continue to show an unwavering commitment to progress”, he said.
He noted that the awards will not only honor outstanding individuals, but also recognise the critical role state governments play in nurturing vibrant SMEs.
“State governments have been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for SMEs, which in turn benefits both the awardees and the larger economy.
“With major banks like Providus, Access, and First Banks competing for top honors, the 8th NigeriaSMEAwards promises to be a night of celebration, recognising exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s SME landscape”, Olalekan added.
Amid global challenges such as inflation, geopolitical instability, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Nigerians continue to show remarkable resilience.
Their efforts, according to reports, have contributed to job creation, economic growth, and overall prosperity, with SMEs at the forefront of this success.
This year’s awards will recognise governors who have made significant strides in advancing the SME sector within their states.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) consultants in Rivers State have called on entrepreneurs to be focused and avoid distractions.
The experts, who were speaking on the recent developments about the change of leadership in the state, said entrepreneurs need to put more efforts in their businesses in order to break even in the present situation in Rivers State.
Speaking in a chat with The Tide, an international SMEs consultant, Amb. Larry Goodwill Ajiola, said the political moves is capable of distracting SMEs who are not grounded in their businesses, adding that “the serious minded business men and women would utilise the opportunity to increase their revenues”.
Amb Ajiola, who is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rumuomasi Co-operative and Credit Society Limited, Port Harcourt, said, “Rugged entrepreneurs look out for business opportunities in situations around them, whether good or bad”.
He reiterated that the loan facility given to 3,000 SMEs in the state revived and expanded businesses, adding that the empowered businesses should continue to push, no matter the situation.
“credit is a powerful tool for achieving financial security.
“We can only keep imagin the economic value that the over 3,000 MSMEs would add to the positive economic dynamics of Rivers State and the Local Government Areas in terms of Gross Domestic Prooduct (GDP), increased tax returns, employment creation, income distribution, and production of goods and services”, he said.
Another SMEs Expert, a business consultant and SMEs trainer, Mr. Chisom Sam-Orji, in his advice, noted that every SME in the state should realize that change is the only constant thing.
He said SMEs should also know that “tough times never last, but tough people do”, adding the need for every entrepreneur to stay focused on creating value and remain resilient.
“This is not the time to be distracted by every noise around your space, but to maximize every time you have to focus on the essentials and keep creating value.
“For some people, it may just be the time to diversify, create new products and services to serve a new or existing market. But this must be based on the facts available to you via research and market surveys”, he said.
The SMEs expert also said the present time in the life of an entrepreneur is a time to cut off unnecessary excesses that surround one’s business.
“Those extra costs that may hamper your growth in this season and beyond, and focus on just essentials.
“SMEs should find certain leverages that are available to aid their business growth. This could be in form of grants, knowledge, and other leverage tools.
“Collaboration is one big way to grow in this season. Finding ways to collaborate with like minds instead of competing could enable a product or service gain advantage in the market and beyond.
“They should also find ways to sustain and grow their customer relationship as this is key to sustaining business flow. They must seek new and efficient ways to serve their customers and gain their loyalty”, he stated.
He further called on every entrepreneur to keep building capacity and never take their eyes off their visions, adding the need to muster every courage it takes to keep building and moving forward.
Lilian Peters