Many hit in attack on UN mission in Kidal, Mali

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfylUdxUOvrY0lbqxNgetC5UGqkOPNMF8RjHHFivJQ4fU2tFY4BWUFZOOg3qGQLEPn-EatluHpcAt3u_mbTza7ZpqMa7eFT7F1Nh-SsXGbvrUTzrgnb0uIyN9YE3PW_4Ae8WzYtgJmoq4/s1600/Many+killed+in+attack+on+UN+mission+in+Kidal%252C+Mali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfylUdxUOvrY0lbqxNgetC5UGqkOPNMF8RjHHFivJQ4fU2tFY4BWUFZOOg3qGQLEPn-EatluHpcAt3u_mbTza7ZpqMa7eFT7F1Nh-SsXGbvrUTzrgnb0uIyN9YE3PW_4Ae8WzYtgJmoq4/s640/Many+killed+in+attack+on+UN+mission+in+Kidal%252C+Mali.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and some 30 wounded on Friday when attackers hit their base in northeastern Mali.<br /> <br /> "Our camp at Kidal was attacked by terrorists early Friday morning. We fought back but two peacekeepers were killed and 30 others injured," a source from the UN's MINUSMA mission told AFP news agency.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> A Guinean member of the UN force said the dead soldiers were from his country's contingent.<br /> <br /> The attack came a week after at least four assailants and a Malian soldier were killed in an assault on a UN military camp at Timbuktu.<br /> <br /> The sprawling north of the country continues to be beset by violence having fallen under the control of Tuareg-led rebels and armed groups linked to al-Qaeda in 2012.<br /> <br /> They were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013, however, insurgents continue to threaten stability.<br /> <br /> Large swathes of Mali remain lawless, despite a June peace deal between the former Tuareg rebels and rival pro-government armed groups.

Latest-News Many hit in attack on UN mission in Kidal, Mali

Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and some 30 wounded on Friday when attackers hit their base in northeastern Mali. "Our ...

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Female suicide bomber refuses to strike because she was scared she would kill people

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWqcZ_fTXTbIiFFoTHIa7wxCSGJnM2KTDS7utAIH13jIyf82cYQcBn78NGzI_ZSTYVfzDhYkKnwI2oQauFx-hkEQwr3pedOCAgBzHG7bES_CA3mXgtDcICBqCOJPd0P2SJFtI6nIH5Z4/s400/Bomber+female+strike.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> A teenage girl packed with explosives by Boko Haram ripped off her vest to avoid taking part in the attack on Borno Internally Displaced Persons camp (IDPs) in Dikwa, Borno State on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Two others with her, however, walked into the middle of hundreds of people lining up for food before they blew themselves up in the attack that killed 58 and injured 78.<br /> <br /> It was the most lethal attack launched by the sect in recent months.<br /> <br /> A Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) fighter Modu Awami said yesterday that the third would-be bomber, looking about 14, has confessed.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Awami, who helped question the girl, said she was scared because she knew she would kill people.<br /> <br /> A rescue official who confirmed it, said the girl has given officials information about other planned bombings<br /> <br /> The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Nigeria yesterday condemned the attacks on Dikwa.<br /> <br /> The US Diplomatic Mission in Abuja, in a statement, restated the U.S. government’s continued support for the Nigerian government in fighting terrorism.<br /> <br /> “The US Embassy condemns the reported suicide attacks on internally displaced persons in Dikwa town, Borno State,that occurred on Feb. 9.<br /> <br /> “The US remains committed to assisting internally displaced populations in North-Eastern Nigeria through humanitarian relief efforts.<br /> <br /> “We will also continue to support the Nigerian government in its fight against terrorism,’’ it said.

Latest-News Female suicide bomber refuses to strike because she was scared she would kill people

A teenage girl packed with explosives by Boko Haram ripped off her vest to avoid taking part in the attack on Borno Internally Displaced ...

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Nigerians have immunity against Zika virus - Health minster

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4lFdSzBhzzbYP_vInN71uOPxyarxcNhjVsd1JY8QMpualzOBgAuEaync_fO0xZJ7Dyql7f8edUo-N4yR6SxaeNwJJn5Rus2yTjMjV4XhgKxd2Wc3a_daYQ0wVWgnjusA3R543p8mM20/s1600/malaria+mosquito+zika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4lFdSzBhzzbYP_vInN71uOPxyarxcNhjVsd1JY8QMpualzOBgAuEaync_fO0xZJ7Dyql7f8edUo-N4yR6SxaeNwJJn5Rus2yTjMjV4XhgKxd2Wc3a_daYQ0wVWgnjusA3R543p8mM20/s400/malaria+mosquito+zika.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Previous studies conducted by researchers demonstrated that some Nigerians were immuned to the Zika virus infection, Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole said yesterday.<br /> <br /> Adewole, who spoke in Abuja on his ministry’s efforts to contain Lassa fever and ZIka virus, claimed that as far back as 1954, some Nigerian scientists working in Western part of the country discovered Zika virus.<br /> <br /> He said: “Further studies in the years 1975 to 1979 showed that 40 per cent of Nigerian adults and 25 per cent of Nigerian children have antibodies to Zika virus, meaning they are protected against this virus.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> “It is important however, to state categorically, that until now in Africa and Nigeria inclusive, this virus does not cause any serious illness and those so far infected individually recover fully with no serious complications.”<br /> <br /> The minister noted that although two African countries, Cape Verde and Gabon, had reported transmission in between 2015 and 2016, causal relationship between Zika virus infection, birth defects and neurological syndromes has not been established in the continent.<br /> <br /> Adewole warned that despite the fact that some Nigerians are immune to the infection as demonstrated by previous studies, it was important and advisable that Nigerians should be careful and protect themselves from mosquito bites.<br /> <br /> The minister said that he would not advise against Nigerian contingent attending the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil over the Zika outbreak in South America.<br /> <br /> But Adewole said he would stop pregnant women from going to Brazil as the minister of health.<br /> <br /> He advised that suspected case should be referred to hospitals or this line: 097000010-19<br /> <br /> He said: “There is as of now, no known specific treatment for Zika virus disease. Treatment is therefore generally supportive and it includes rest, fluids, and use of pain killers and antipyretics. In a pregnant woman with laboratory evidence of Zika virus in serum or amniotic fluid, serial ultrasounds should be considered to monitor fetal anatomy and growth every three to four weeks. Referral to a maternal-fetal medicine or infectious disease specialist with expertise in pregnancy management is recommended.”<br /> <br /> He added: “There is no vaccine for Zika virus, and no cure other than rest, plenty of fluids and perhaps over-the-counter medication to reduce fevers, aches and pains as previously mentioned. This therefore means that prevention is most effective means of preventing transmission.<br /> <br /> “I advise all Nigerians, particularly pregnant women, to avoid travelling to countries infected by this virus in these periods. If, however, you are to visit any country where Zika virus is now being actively transmitted, you are advised to protect yourselves from mosquito bites.<br /> <br /> “Pregnant women considering travel to affected areas may wish to consult their health-care providers prior to travel and after return. They should also practice personal and household steps to prevent mosquito, including putting mosquito repellant on their clothes and skin, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep underneath mosquito nets at night, where possible.<br /> <br /> I wish to call on all Nigerians to support our pregnant women and help them access anti-mosquito repellants.”<br /> <br /> The minister called on states to embark on health education campaigns to empower communities take actions to protect themselves from Zika Virus as well as other mosquito-borne diseases.<br /> <br /> The minister assured Nigerians that Lassa fever has been contained in the country, as evidenced by decline in new suspected cases; new laboratory confirmed cases and newly reported cases.

Latest-News Nigerians have immunity against Zika virus - Health minster

Previous studies conducted by researchers demonstrated that some Nigerians were immuned to the Zika virus infection, Minister of Health P...

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Buhari regrets Boko Haram chose to welcome German President into the country with bombings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W8Kk6Mk-dXVfPRD-taZe9m-gEGTD9bMrQxR2X0k0XNicDLjTIE2fBfeXWn3HJ9z3nlqnPQebIpdD2x08sT51f04E-lr-NNma0i010NtqixNeh_jAvvNz8JpgSUrN2AVrzRvUpmHhmWg/s1600/buhari++germany.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W8Kk6Mk-dXVfPRD-taZe9m-gEGTD9bMrQxR2X0k0XNicDLjTIE2fBfeXWn3HJ9z3nlqnPQebIpdD2x08sT51f04E-lr-NNma0i010NtqixNeh_jAvvNz8JpgSUrN2AVrzRvUpmHhmWg/s400/buhari++germany.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday regretted that Boko Haram chose to welcome German President, Joachim Gauck, into the country with the bombings at the Dikwa camp of Internally Displaced Persons on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Despite the incident that claimed over 58 lives, however, Buhari told Guack, who visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that his administration had succeeded in stopping the sect from attacking installations and towns as it used to do.<br /> <br /> Buhari spoke at a joint press conference after their close-door meeting.<br /> <br /> He said at the inception of his administration, he sought to know the reasons behind the failure of the Nigerian military to secure 14 local governments out of the country’s 774.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> He, however, said the reasons had been revealed with the the $2.1bn arms purchase scandal.<br /> <br /> Buhari said it had become clear that some officials of the past government shared the money meant for military equipment, therefore forcing soldiers into mutiny.<br /> <br /> He added, “It is a pity Boko Haram welcomed you with explosions in Maiduguri that took so many lives, but I have attempted to explain in so many fora that Boko Haram is not what it used to be.<br /> <br /> “While they were firmly holding 14 out of 774 local governments when we came in, they are not holding any local government now.<br /> <br /> “What they have resorted to is using improvised explosive devices to cause maximum casualties on soft targets as they did yesterday (Wednesday).<br /> <br /> “But for them to organise conventional attacks on military, police installations and take hold of towns, I think they are not able to do that. They send groups to kill vulnerable targets.”<br /> <br /> Buhari admitted that the Federal Government must redouble its efforts to rehabilitate displaced persons.<br /> <br /> He regretted that children and orphans constitute over 60 per cent of the two million IDPs, saying the least his administration could do was to quickly resettle the children and rebuild schools.<br /> <br /> He commended Germany for helping Nigeria in the fight against Ebola and polio as well as its assistance in the IDP camps.<br /> <br /> Buhari sought Germany’s support for Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.<br /> <br /> “Outside bilateral, in the United Nations, Nigeria and other African countries feel we are qualified by our number, by our size and by our position in Africa to have a seat on the United Nations Security Council. We hope that Germany will support us,” the President said.<br /> <br /> Guack, who spoke through an interpreter, promised Europe’s support of $50m for African Union’s initiative to fight terrorism.<br /> <br /> He said Germany saw in Nigeria one of its most important partners on the continent. He also declared his support for the country’s anti-corruption and anti-terrorism campaigns.<br /> <br /> Guack added, “You (Buhari) personally have made it clear that it is in a determined way that you intend to fight Boko Haram and its methods that deeply violate the principles of humanity.<br /> <br /> “We intend to support you because we believe that it is a very good approach that you have chosen and that is something; we would make available financial support and that approach consists of joining forces with neighbouring countries to fight Boko Haram together.<br /> <br /> “You have already taken steps in that direction as members of the African Union. We, as Europe, will support that initiative with $50m.”<br /> <br /> He said he told Buhari during their meeting that development was not possible without good governance.<br /> <br /> He promised that Germany would continue to provide humanitarian support, especially for women and children.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and the United States have condemned the attacks on the IDP camp in Dikwa, Borno State, on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Osinbajo said the country’s security agencies would hunt down the masterminds of the attack.

Latest-News Buhari regrets Boko Haram chose to welcome German President into the country with bombings

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday regretted that Boko Haram chose to welcome German President, Joachim Gauck, into the country with ...

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Jonathan’s ADC in trouble over N10 Billion for PDP chiefs

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWFaFXSnT826_yv_XxFFTmSbmWCEfC9YoGhVJd5T3YfKPf-4QDZrjaRmjks_VrdFsbCuyikA5PLPu5w553bzYjUYz_7Eq9K1cjV4HwdTIVvPPwRxp4x0Sls5OAEnudbg5K-wnBbNXQUM/s1600/Jonathan-ADC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWFaFXSnT826_yv_XxFFTmSbmWCEfC9YoGhVJd5T3YfKPf-4QDZrjaRmjks_VrdFsbCuyikA5PLPu5w553bzYjUYz_7Eq9K1cjV4HwdTIVvPPwRxp4x0Sls5OAEnudbg5K-wnBbNXQUM/s400/Jonathan-ADC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Detectives are questioning former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-Aide-De-Camp (ADC) on the disbursement of more than N10 billion oil proceeds to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination convention delegates.<br /> <br /> Col. Ojogbane Adegbe is being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is on the trail of another key aide to the former President – Waripamowei Dudafa, former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs.<br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> Adegbe and Dudafa collected the cash — $47m and some Euros from the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), it was learnt.<br /> <br /> The money was diverted by ONSA from a Signature Bonus Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).<br /> <br /> The EFCC believes Dudafa is either in Dubai or somewhere on the Caribbean Islands.<br /> <br /> The N10billion is believed to have been diverted from oil receipts as follows: USD5.0M(November 14,2014); $47m( November 27, 2014); Euro 4.0M (December 3, 2014) and Euro 1.6M(December 24, 2014)<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the former ADC was yesterday relocated from Mogadishu Cantonment for quizzing by the EFCC on the disbursement of the cash.<br /> <br /> A source said: “We spent hours to grill the ADC on how he got and disbursed the $47million which was delivered to him in about 17 suitcases.<br /> <br /> “The money was diverted from the CBN to bribe or settle PDP delegates to adopt ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for second term.<br /> <br /> “We have asked him in the last 12 hours to account for how he came about the cash.<br /> <br /> “He is also expected to provide the list of beneficiaries of the largesse. All the beneficiaries will be unveiled by the EFCC and they have to refund public funds.”<br /> <br /> On Dudafa, the top source said: “We are tracking him down. We are trying to locate his whereabouts in Dubai and some Caribbean Islands.<br /> <br /> “What is certain is that Dudafa has moved out of the country to avoid being arrested by the anti-graft agency.”<br /> <br /> The N10billion was taken from the Signature Bonus Account( oil block account ) with the CBN.<br /> <br /> In an October 29, 2015 to EFCC, the apex bank said: “Your letter ref: EFCC/EC/ CBN/ 12/163 dated 21st September 2015 to the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and the directive by the management that we provide some explanations, we wish to state as follows:<br /> <br /> “The N10billion constitutes two tranches of N5.08billion each debited to the CBN/OAGF SIGNATURE BONUS ACCOUNT NO 400225220 vide OAGF memo Ref: FD/LP2015/1/28 DF to the Office of the National Security Adviser A/C Number 20172241019 with the CBN Abuja and the second was for credit into the account of National Security Adviser Account Number 1014199287 with Zenith Bank Plc Wuse II Abuja.<br /> <br /> “The transactions were consummated on November 10, 2014. The mandate that authorised the withdrawal of USD47.0M was from the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) with REF: NSA/366/S dated November 26, 2014. The mandate was processed for dollar cash payment to Mr. S. A. Salisu on November 27, 2014.<br /> <br /> “The USD5.0M was via a memo from the ONSA memo REF: ACCT/86/VOL. 2/ 218 dated November 13, 2014. The National Security Adviser Account Number 20172241019 was debited and Dollar cash payment made to Mr. Wambai Ibrahim on November 14, 2014 in line with the mandate.<br /> <br /> “The Euro 4.0M and Euro 1.6M transactions were via mandate from ONSA memo REF: NASS/ 366/S dated November 26, 2014. The NSA’s Account Number 20172241019 was debited and Euro cash payment effected as follows: Euro 4.0M on December 3, 2014 and Euro 1.6M was on December 24, 2014. These sums were released to Mr. S. A. Salisu as stipulated in the mandate. Attached are copies of all the relevant documents please.”<br /> <br /> The CBN Governor responded to a letter ( EFCC/EC/CBN/12/163) of 21st September, 2015 by a former Chairman of EFCC,Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.<br /> <br /> The three-paragraph letter said: “ This commission is investigating a case of Abuse of Office and money laundering of funds for special services by the Office of the National Security Adviser which were withdrawn in November 2014.<br /> <br /> “We seek your kind assistance to provide available information on the disbursement of the funds with copies of relevant documents, including transfers to foreign and local banks and cash withdrawals.<br /> <br /> “Thank you in anticipation of your usual cooperation.”<br /> <br /> In his Statement of Witness/Accused Person which had been filed in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki said the over N10billion was given to the ADC and Dudafa.<br /> <br /> He said: “That I am aware in November, I cannot remember the exact date. My office requested the CBN to exchange N10billion from the account of the Office Nations Security Adviser domiciled in CBN. The money was exchanged and $47m and some Euros which I cannot remember the exact amount was delivered at my residence.<br /> <br /> “The money was for delegates that attended the nomination convention for the PDP presidential nomination. The money was paid and sent to Hon. Dudafa(SSAP Household) and ADC(C-I-C) for distribution on the instruction of the President.<br /> <br /> “Based on the statement of Director of Finance and Administration (Salisu), Ibrahim Wambai, and Yazidu Ibrahim, all the cash(both foreign and local) are usually given to them for official use.”

Latest-News Jonathan’s ADC in trouble over N10 Billion for PDP chiefs

Detectives are questioning former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-Aide-De-Camp (ADC) on the disbursement of more than N10 billion oil pr...

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Drama as burglar’s head gets stuck between bars after operation

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM9sgUDBVDLTWx-HJycoix-Sn2d4szXMH2xjr6xg6m7VZs_ZIQ392Urvo2t0CFAOIFc5CP2QirM2Cb6JnLdECsEhja_V6LjCKIPScH4J8BO-ofijyoVi5tdudNA2kxpzS7viz-OoGReo/s1600/burglar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM9sgUDBVDLTWx-HJycoix-Sn2d4szXMH2xjr6xg6m7VZs_ZIQ392Urvo2t0CFAOIFc5CP2QirM2Cb6JnLdECsEhja_V6LjCKIPScH4J8BO-ofijyoVi5tdudNA2kxpzS7viz-OoGReo/s400/burglar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> There was a mild drama on Wednesday at a plaza on Plateau Club Road, Jos, Plateau State as the head of a suspected burglar got stuck between burglarproof bars while he was trying to escape with items he stole from a shop within the facility.<br /> <br /> It was learnt that the 32-year-old suspect, Solomon Clement, had entered the shop through the roof in the night.<br /> <br /> He was said to have stolen seven pieces of suits, two blankets, 13 pairs of shoes and three pieces of bed sheets after which he tried to escape with the loots through the window. He had forced his body out of the window but was unfortunate as his head was trapped between the burglarproof bars.<br /> <br /> It was gathered that he struggled in vain to free himself, until daybreak when the police were alerted to the incident. He was arrested, while the stolen items were recovered.<br /> <br /> A trader, who spoke with our newsmen on condition of anonymity, said there had been cases of burglary in the plaza before the Wednesday incident, adding that she suspected there was connivance between the perpetrators and insiders.<br /> <br /> He said, “That was not the first time burglars attacked shops here. We normally close around 6pm. I suspect they connive with insiders, who might have been giving them information. Most times, they (burglars) break the bars. It was God that orchestrated the man’s (Clement) arrest. I learnt that he had entered through the roof. It was the security man who was moving around the complex that saw him with his head stuck. The shop is owned by one Daniel. I learnt he stocked the shop with suits and shoes recently.<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> “I want the police to handle this matter seriously and mete out appropriate punishment to the suspect. Maybe through that, others would learn to desist from the act.”<br /> <br /> An eyewitness, who identified himself only as Julius, said Clement was freed after a welder was employed to cut the bars.<br /> <br /> “He was there for hours. We called the police from the A Division who arrested him. We had to get a welder to cut the bars,” he said.<br /> <br /> The Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abuh Emmanuel, said investigation was ongoing into the incident. He added that the suspect would be charged to court when the investigation was concluded.<br /> <br /> He said, “The suspect, Solomon Clement, is from Agwa Mission, Gudu-Wada, Jos. People in that area alerted the police and he was arrested. Seven pieces of suits, two blankets, 13 pairs of shoes and three pieces of bed sheet, stolen from the shop, were recovered. The suspect is under investigation.”

Latest-News Drama as burglar’s head gets stuck between bars after operation

There was a mild drama on Wednesday at a plaza on Plateau Club Road, Jos, Plateau State as the head of a suspected burglar got stuck betw...

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Naira hits record low of 325 to a dollar

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH_fz0LnkZwrIVSQTZt094khjKGOOhZTEz08Fh36iYokLyDkPGxA2jMNCq2aNdngiux0i5GyAmMBMF38_aglek_j-PXCgy880pBv2nZVuyWgJiElzRRcRbHwTZhyZzbTvBCaxI2qd4FY/s1600/naira+dollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH_fz0LnkZwrIVSQTZt094khjKGOOhZTEz08Fh36iYokLyDkPGxA2jMNCq2aNdngiux0i5GyAmMBMF38_aglek_j-PXCgy880pBv2nZVuyWgJiElzRRcRbHwTZhyZzbTvBCaxI2qd4FY/s400/naira+dollar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The naira hit a record low of 325 to the dollar at the parallel market on Thursday as desperate importers scrambled for dollars to meet their obligations overseas.<br /> <br /> The local currency had closed at 318 against the greenback on Wednesday, after hitting 313.5 and 310 on Tuesday and Monday, respectively.<br /> <br /> “The dollar is falling because importers need forex to bring in their goods. They cannot keep on folding their arms because there is scarcity; they must keep buying; the only thing is that the quantity may reduce,” a forex dealer told our correspondent under condition of anonymity.<br /> <br /> The CBN has left the official exchange rate unchanged at N197 to the dollar on its official interbank window<br /> <br /> <a id="more" name="more"></a><br /> <br /> “We see the naira falling further in coming days if the central bank fails to lift the dollar restriction,” the Acting President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators, Aminu Gwadabe, said.<br /> <br /> Tumbling global oil prices have battered Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, with external reserves down to an 11-year low at $27.89bn on February 9, Reuters reported.<br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari is concerned that further depreciation will hurt poor Nigerians, but the CBN’s refusal to revise the pegged exchange rate has widened a chasm between official rate and the parallel market.<br /> <br /> Last month, the central bank halted dollar sales to the BDC operators and allowed commercial banks to accept dollar deposits, in a failed effort to shore up dwindling foreign reserves.<br /> <br /> Around 90 per cent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings come from crude oil exports, but mismanagement of the refineries means the country must also import expensive refined fuel.<br /> <br /> The Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said it was high time the CBN came up with a forex policy that would address the forex crisis confronting the nation.<br /> <br /> In an economic note released on Thursday, Rewane said, “Nigerians are perplexed at the endless slide of their currency, which is now trading at N325/$, the lowest point ever.<br /> <br /> “This is happening even when the oil price is up at $31pb. The debate as whether to devalue the naira is not the real issue. The discourse should be whether we need an exchange rate policy or not. The absence of a policy is a recipe for economic anarchy and a race to the bottom.”

Latest-News Naira hits record low of 325 to a dollar

The naira hit a record low of 325 to the dollar at the parallel market on Thursday as desperate importers scrambled for dollars to meet t...

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