Categories: News

EFCC Bans Embassies From Transacting In Dollars

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has banned foreign missions based in Nigeria from transacting in foreign currencies, mandating the use of Naira in their financial businesses.

According to the anti-graft commission, the move is to tackle the dollarisation of the Nigerian economy and the degradation of the naira.

In an advisory to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, titled: “EFCC Advisory to Foreign Missions against Invoicing in US Dollar,” EFCC expressed reservations and displeasure “regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar(s).”

READ: Ede Poly Suspends SUG Amidst Students-EFCC Saga

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, in a letter dated April 5, 2024, which was addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed dismay over the invoicing of consular services in Nigeria by foreign missions in dollars.

The EFCC cited Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

The letter read, “I present to you the compliments of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and wish to notify you about the commission’s observation, with dismay, regarding the unhealthy practice by some foreign missions to invoice consular services to Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country in United States dollar ($).

“This practice is an aberration and unlawful as it conflicts with extant laws and financial regulations in Nigeria. Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 makes currencies issued by the apex bank the only legal tender in Nigeria.

“It states that ‘the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be the legal tender in Nigeria on their face value for the payment of any amount’.

“This presupposes that any transaction in currencies other than the naira anywhere in Nigeria contravenes the law and is, therefore, illegal.”

The commission added that the refusal by some missions to accept the naira for consular service in Nigeria and also comply with the foreign exchange regulatory regime in fixing the exchange of the cost of their services is not only illegal but represents an affront to the country’s sovereignty symbolised by the national currency.

The EFCC added that such a situation undermines Nigeria’s monetary policy and aspiration for sustainable economic development.

The letter continued, “This trend can no longer be tolerated, especially in a volatile economic environment where the country’s macroeconomic policies are constantly under attack by all manner of state and non-state actors.

“In light of the above, you may wish to convey the commission’s displeasure to all missions in Nigeria and restate Nigeria’s desire for their operations not to conflict with extant laws and regulations in the country.”

When contacted for comments, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale declined comments.

Kazeem Badmus

Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.

Recent Posts

OAU Ranks Low, UNIOSUN, Adeleke Missing In Nigeria’s 2024 University Rankings (See Full List)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has taken a surprising hit in the latest Times Higher Education…

36 mins ago

Dismissed Female Soldier Backtracks, Begs For Case Review

Ex-Nigerian female Soldier, Ruth Ogunleye has appealed to Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed…

1 hour ago

Lagos Boat Tragedy: FG Arrests Ferry Manager For Negligence

The Federal Government through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has arrested the manager of…

1 hour ago

Rivers Crisis: Wike Gives Conditions For Peace With Fubara

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike has given Governor Sim…

1 hour ago

One Dead As Oyo Records 23 Cholera Cases

One person has been confirmed dead as Oyo State Government confirmed 23 cholera cases. The…

2 hours ago

Oct 9: Black Market Dollar To Naira Rate

As of October 9, 2024, the exchange rate for the US dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN)…

2 hours ago

This website uses cookies.