The Naira plunged to 400 against the dollar at the parallel market on Thursday as shortage of foreign exchange continued to have negative effects on economic activities in the country.
The local currency had closed at 390 against the Dollar on Wednesday. But the shortage of forex at the interbank and the black market has continued to weigh on the value of the naira.
Economic and financial analysts have linked the wide depreciation in the value of the naira against the dollar at the parallel market to huge demand for forex by holidaymakers seeking to travel abroad.
However, some experts said the huge demand for forex at the parallel market was beyond the normal summer rush.
They linked the development to the activities of speculators and significant demand by manufacturers and importers whose demand was not being met at the interbank market.
Currency analyst at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ezun, said,
“The issue still has to do with inadequate forex supply. As far as you continue to have some 41 items banned from the interbank market, importers and manufacturers of those items will continue to seek for forex at the parallel market. This is part of the reason you are having pressure at the parallel market.”
