Nigeria’s Currency in Circulation Drops Marginally in July 2023
The amount of cash and coins outside the banking system in Nigeria decreased slightly in July 2023, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The data showed that the currency in circulation fell to N2.59 trillion in July 2023 from N2.6 trillion in June 2023, recording the first monthly decline since February 2023 when it plunged to N982 billion following the naira swap crisis.
The currency outside banks, which measures the amount of cash held by the public, also dropped from N2.26 trillion in June to N2.20 trillion in July 2023. The currency in circulation, which peaked at N3.2 trillion in July 2022, has been on a downward trend since then as Nigeria faces high inflation and a weakening currency.
The marginal decline in currency in circulation could be attributed to several factors, such as the increased use of electronic payment channels, the reduced demand for cash, and the CBN’s efforts to mop up excess liquidity in the system.
The CBN has been implementing various policies to stabilize the naira and curb inflation, such as increasing the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of banks, conducting open market operations (OMO), and adjusting the exchange rate regime.
However, these measures have not been enough to stem the tide of naira depreciation and inflationary pressures.
The naira has lost over 40% of its value against the US dollar in the past year, trading at around N870 per dollar in the parallel market as of August 2023. The official exchange rate, which is used by exporters and investors closed around N761/$1.
Meanwhile, inflation has remained above the CBN’s target single-digit range, hitting 24.08% in July 2023. The high inflation rate has eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians and increased the cost of living.
The CBN has reiterated its commitment to achieving price stability and exchange rate stability, but analysts have expressed doubts about its ability to do so given the structural and fiscal challenges facing the economy.
Some have called for more coordination between the monetary and fiscal authorities to address the underlying issues of low productivity, weak revenue generation, and rising debt levels.
The currency in circulation measures the amount of cash and coins outside the banking system. It is an important indicator of economic activity, as it reflects the amount of money that is being used to purchase goods and services.
The decline in currency in circulation could be attributed to several factors, including:
- The increased use of electronic payment channels: More and more people are using electronic payment methods, such as credit cards and debit cards, instead of cash. This is because electronic payments are more convenient and secure.
- The reduced demand for cash: As the economy becomes more digitalized, there is less need for cash. This is because people can now make payments for goods and services online or through their mobile phones.
- The CBN’s efforts to mop up excess liquidity in the system: The CBN has been selling treasury bills and other government securities in order to reduce the amount of money in circulation. This is an attempt to control inflation, which has been rising in recent months.
The decline in currency in circulation is a positive development, as it suggests that the economy is becoming more efficient. However, it is important to note that the CBN will need to continue to implement policies to ensure that inflation remains under control.
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