Trapped Funds: CBN Releases $265m To Foreign Airlines In Latest Strategic Move

August 26, 2022
Trapped Funds: CBN Releases $265m To Foreign Airlines In Latest Strategic Move
Trapped Funds: CBN Releases $265m To Foreign Airlines In Latest Strategic Move

In a strategic move to address the issue of trapped funds belonging to foreign airlines and check the brewing crisis in Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released the sum of $265 million  to settle outstanding ticket sales.

A breakdown of the figure released on Friday indicates that the sum of $230 million was given as special Forex intervention while another sum of $35 million was released through the Retail SMIS auction.

Join our WhatsApp Channel

Confirming the release, the Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, said the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, and his team was concerned about the trapped funds controversy and what it portends for the sector and travelers as well as the country in the comity of nations.

Nwanisobi reiterated that the Bank was not against any company repatriating its funds from the country, adding that what the Bank stood for was an orderly exit for those that might be interested in doing so.

Last week’s announcement by the Middle East mega carrier, Emirates Airlines, to suspend flights to Nigeria as a result of the trapped funds controversy has triggered a lot of reactions both within and outside the country and brought to the fore the critical role air transport plays in the economy of any nation.

In a piece entitled, “Foreign Airlines And Their Nigerian Trapped Dollars,” a frontline business e-paper, Prime Business Africa, also took some shot in the matter via the paper’s mouthpiece – the editorial.

With the latest CBN’s release, therefore, it is expected that operators and travellers as well will heave huge sighs of relief, as some airlines had threatened to withdraw their services in the face of unremitted funds for the outstanding sale of tickets.

 

 

 

+ posts

Featured Stories

Latest from News

Aston Martin to Cut 20% of Workforce Over Rising Losses

British luxury carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 20 percent, following widening annual losses linked to US tariffs and weak demand in China. The cuts will affect around 600 employees, out of the company’s 3,000-strong

US Denies Selling AI Chips to China Amid Security Concerns

A high-end Nvidia chip that can train and run artificial intelligence systems has not yet been sold to Chinese firms, a US Commerce Department official said. The H200 chip had previously been blocked from sale in China over national security concerns. In
EU Approves New Round Of Sanctions Against Russia As Ukraine’s Invasion Anniversary Nears

Ukraine Drone Strike on Russian Fertiliser Plant Kills Seven

A Ukrainian drone attack on a fertiliser plant in Russia’s western Smolensk region has killed seven people and injured 10 others, Russian officials said. The plant, located just outside the town of Dorogobuzh, lies around 290km (180 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Sweden to Deport Migrants for Crimes Above a Fine

The government of Sweden has announced plans to significantly increase the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of crimes, proposing that any offence punishable beyond a fine could lead to removal from the country. Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the current system had
Bill Gates Excited To See Burna Boy, Rema Perform During Visit To Nigeria

Gates Admits Affairs, Calls Epstein Ties a “Huge Mistake”

Bill Gates has said his association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein was a “huge mistake”, as he addressed staff at his philanthropic foundation following renewed scrutiny over their relationship. Speaking at a staff meeting on Tuesday, Gates said he regretted meeting
FG Struggling To Borrow, As Foreign Investors Prefer US, Germany, Others
Previous Story

CSOs To Buhari: Withdraw 4 INEC Nominees, They’re Partisan

#EdoDecides2024: INEC Extends Voting Time In Areas Where It Started Late
Next Story

Civil Society Groups Oppose Buhari’s INEC Nominees In Sokoto, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo States

Don't Miss

Air Peace Gifts Lucky Nigerians London Flight Tickets

Air Peace Gifts Lucky Nigerians London Flight Tickets

Nigeria's foremost airline, Air Peace, has gifted six Nigerians Return

Big Brother Naija Season 7 Begins July 23, Winner To Claim N100m Prize

The 7th edition of the Big Brother Naija show will