The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed commercial banks to stop paying dollars received through diaspora remittances to customers.
The apex bank in a directive to International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) instead order payment of dollars received through Diaspora remittances to domestic beneficiaries in naira.
The development is with immediate effect according to CBN.
A circular to banks, IMTOs and the public by CBN Director, Trade and Exchange Department, O.S Nnaji, listed 62 approved IMTOs to carry out the directive.
In the list are Western Union, World Remit Limited, CashPot Limited, eTransact International Limited, Leadremit Limited, Flutterwave Technology Solutions Limited, and Interswitch Limited.
Others are Belyfted Limited, Caperemit UK Limited, Chime In (Sendwave), Colony Capital Limited, Comet Trading Nigeria Limited, CSL Pay Limited, CP Express Limited, among others.
The circular titled: Payout Option in Naira Receipt of Proceeds of Diaspora Remittances, said: “Further to the circular referenced TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/011 dated November 30, 2020 in respect of the above subject, the Central Bank of Nigeria hereby announces Naira as a payout option for receipts of proceeds of International Money Transfers”.
“Accordingly, all recipients of diaspora remittances through the CBN approved IMTOS on the attached list shall henceforth have the option of receiving Naira payment in addition to USD and eNaira as payout options”.
“For the avoidance of doubt, International Money Transfer Operators are required to pay out the proceeds using the Investors & Exporters’ Window rate as the anchor rate on the day of the transaction. This regulation takes effect immediately. Please note and ensure compliance,” it said.
