CBN Denies Heavy FX Intervention, Says Market Participation Minimal
By Aboki Forex —
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed claims that it is heavily intervening in the foreign exchange market to prop up the naira. The bank said its participation remains minimal compared to overall market activity.
Speaking on the evolution of the FX framework, a CBN official noted that electronic trading platforms and updated guidelines have improved transparency. He added that these changes have reduced speculative distortions that previously plagued the market.
Credit to SMEs on the Rise
The CBN also revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen credit flow to small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs). This includes regulatory collaboration with relevant agencies and development finance institutions to expand access to credit.
According to the bank, new lending to SMEs has increased significantly. New SME credit reportedly rose to about N199 billion in April 2026, up from about N153 billion in March 2026.
Consumer Protection and Complaint Processes
The CBN’s Consumer Protection Department is now engaging banks through structured quarterly meetings. These meetings involve consumer experience executives from deposit money banks and microfinance institutions.
The objective is to improve transparency, enhance dispute resolution, and ensure timely compensation where customers are wrongly debited. The bank said it will review banks’ complaint and compensation processes as part of this effort.
The CBN retained all other rates and parameters during its latest review.