The dollar sold for N450 in the parallel market on Friday, showing a shallow and dry reflection of the foreign exchange market.

Impact of the crude oil prices which had been fluctuating, and fell to as low as $21, had also been taking its toll on the strength of the naira.

President, Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, Mr Aminu Gwadabe, said, the N450/$ rate that closed the week was a reflection of the shallowness and dryness of the foreign exchange market.

He said this was coupled with the impact of trading on the FMDQ market on future derivatives and the negative territory of crude oil prices.

He said, “The crash of naira rate in the parallel market to a high of N450/$ yesterday was a result of the shallowness and dryness of the market.

Gwadabe added, “It is our resolve to enhance liquidity in the foreign exchange market and help discover a true market exchange rate that is devoid of speculative and hoarding activities.”

The ABCON president said there was need for regulators to think outside the box in enhancing liquidity in the market.

“There should be both demand and supply measures to navigate the stormy waters ahead,” he said.

Following the lockdown in some states, Central Bank of Nigeria had suspended sales of dollars to the Bureaux De Change operators, following a request by ABCON to CBN to grant it market holidays, given the ongoing challenges faced in local and global economies from the coronavirus pandemic.

Gwadabe said the operators were preparing to return to the market after the regulator lifts suspension on forex.

He said, “ABCON in preparedness to our return to business has digitised the ticketing systems of our members in various collections centre nationwide in an anticipation of the lifting of restrictions on internal movements next week.

“First, our return to trading will eliminate the volatility in the market and ensure stability in the face of daunting challenges of Covid-19 and tumbling oil prices.”

He mentioned ABCON’s lockdown exit plans to include, “Online real time ticketing numbers for BDCs on every bidding day.

“Compulsory use of face mask in our waiting area.

“Provision of hand washing facilities in all our waiting area.

“Use of infrared thermometers and hand sanitzers in all our waiting areas.

Observe social distance in our waiting areas and maximum of 20 persons per time slots at the disbursements centre for collection.

“Use of personal protection equipment by our frontline staff.”

Punch