Nigeria’s dependency on oil and oil proceeds as a major source of revenue for our economy is not in doubt and this is evident in the fact that the oil sector accounts for 95 percent of export earnings and about 40 percent of government revenues. The Nigerian economy like most economies was gravely affected by the recent global pandemic which occasioned a drop in oil prices. This was largely because of reduction in crude oil demand and the oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. In the face of declining oil earnings and reduced capital inflows from risk-averse foreign investors, extreme pressure has been building on Nigeria’s foreign reserves in past months. This has led the once stable economy to suffer a significant drop in the country’s foreign reserve. For a long while, the country’s foreign reserve has been fluctuating in a declining state as what stood at US$38.5billion at the start of 2020, plummeted to US$35.36 billion in December 2020.

Consequently, Nigeria has experienced a major foreign exchange (forex) shortage, resulting in an increased parallel market exchange rate after the official exchange rate of the Nigerian Naira (NGN) was devalued twice within 2020. Ever since, the Central Bank of Nigeria has been looking for innovative ways to boost its foreign reserves. Part of such ways according to international market pundits, is the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) imposed ban on crypto currency transaction with the hopes (inter alia) of encouraging more citizens to conduct Dollar transactions through CBN approved Internatonal Money Transfers Operators (IMTOs).

The apex bank of Nigeria, in seeking further ways to increase inflows of diaspora remittances into the country, introduced a ‘Naira 4 Dollar’ scheme aimed at giving N5 for every one (1) USD received as remittance inflow. This was contained in a circular dated the 5^th of March, 2021. This scheme as implemented on the 8^th of March, 2021, will run for two consecutive months and end on the 8^th of May 2021.

The scheme has generated a plethora of issues and questions as presented by Nigerians in their criticism, as it is believed that the CBN has spent excessively in its bid to defend the naira. According to reports by the Nairametrics in an article published in May, 17^th 2019, the CBN in 2018 distributed about $36.6 billion forex worth in the Investors & Exporters Window to match with its demand hoping that this will keep the exchange rate stable and drive down the inflation rate. However, the high volatility nature of the forex market did not allow a sustainable naira defense for the long term, thereby resulting in a failed mission. The arrangement failed to secure the economic stability (particularly the fiat) for Nigeria. Notwithstanding, the current Naira 4 Dollar scheme represents another desperate measure to salvage the Nigerian currency which in our opinion, is heading towards another devaluation.

The current Naira 4 Dollar scheme though laudable as it is, may immediately impact the country’s foreign reserve, but it also poses a threat of further devaluation of the naira, as more notes will be printed to fund the schemes incentives. This devaluation will likely lead to an increase in the prices of imported goods and services, thus further depreciating the Nigerian economy. By this analysis, it appears that the scheme may have a negative lasting impact, a plot which the CBN should eschew.

It goes without saying that it is extremely pertinent to increase the country’s foreign reserve and whilst we applaud the current efforts of the CBN in doing this, we are inclined to suggest methods that are less likely to be damaging in the long term. Below are a few suggested strategies to help boost our country’s economy.

• Our first suggestion is the implementation of crypto currency trading through the recognized channels known as CBN licensed International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs). These channels can serve as wallet providers and trading platforms for various types of crypto currencies.
• A second suggested method by expanding the BOT (positive Balance of Trade) which happens to be the largest component of Balance of Payment (BOP). This scheme will drive more exports, as opposed to imports. The Export (Incentives and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, No 65 of 1992, and Cap E19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) provides for various incentives to exporters of locally manufactured goods. When a country imports more than it exports, it will of a surety have a trade deficit.
• The third method can be achieved successfully if we adhere strictly to Section 1(1) of the Export (Incentives and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act which states that a Nigerian exporter may retain all his export proceeds in foreign currency in his bank account in Nigeria. This practice will also result in increasing our country’s foreign reserves. Section 5 of the same Act also establishes that grant funds be given to exporters willing to expand. These incentives should be publicized in order to encourage production and exportation in Nigeria.
• Another method will be the creation of duty drawback schemes. This serves as an export promotion program that will eliminate or recover the cost of duties, taxes, and fees on merchandise sold in international markets. This export incentives is one of the few incentives programs acceptable under the World Trade Organization rules.
• Another method is by increasing the availability of credit. The availability of long and short term credit is crucial to exporters. This is decisive for small and mediums enterprises (SMEs), for which the credit constraints are more binding than for large firms.
• Like China who is in their final phases of taking the e-yuan (digital currency)mainstreamand the European Central Bank’s plans to launch digital euro in this new digital world, the Central Bank of Nigeria can also launch a digital currency to serve Nigerians and this will even protect the supranational bank from disintermediation from cyptocurrencies or rising fintechs.

To boost the Nigerian economy and its foreign reserves, the CBN is expected to embark on carrying out positive schemes that will immediately impact the Nigerian economy. Our review finds that successful export promotion policies have defined priorities, clear goals and objectives.