The Managing Director of Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited, Mr. Ike Chioke, revealed that unifying Nigeria’s foreign exchange regime could potentially result in a significant debt reduction of N350 billion.
Speaking at the Afrinvest midyear investment parley in Lagos yesterday, Chioke highlighted the potential benefits of the recent foreign exchange unification and offered insights into the country’s economic outlook for the rest of 2023.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the total public debt, encompassing both external and domestic debts of the Federal Government, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory, currently stands at N49.85 trillion.
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had also emphasized the necessity of unifying the official and parallel market rates to prevent financial hemorrhage. The decision to move away from multiple foreign exchange systems is expected to have significant implications for the nation’s economy.
Chioke pointed out that while the unification led to a substantial 40% devaluation of the naira, it could have positive repercussions for the domestic economy. State governments may witness a 40% improvement in their bank accounts, presenting a potential boost to their financial positions.
In addition to the foreign exchange unification, the removal of fuel subsidies has already resulted in an estimated N2 trillion in government savings this year, further bolstering the economy.
However, Chioke cautioned that there is still one more subsidy element, the “liquidity subsidy,” which the government needs to address. If left unattended, this element could potentially push inflation from the current 23% to 24% by the third quarter of the year.
The effective management of these economic measures will largely depend on the policies adopted by the new government. The appointment of ministers and the articulation of policy direction will play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes.
He advised the government against relying solely on palliative measures to address long-term economic challenges. Instead, he emphasized the need to focus on addressing the root causes, such as investing in infrastructure, enhancing national security, and prioritizing human capital development, including education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
The Afrinvest midyear investment parley served as an opportunity to inform the investment public and Afrinvest’s clients about the importance of vigilance in managing investments, considering the various global and domestic economic factors at play in H1’23 and their potential impact on H2’23.
As the new government unveils its policy framework and strategies for the future, the economic landscape remains dynamic, with potential opportunities and challenges ahead.
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