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The resumption of naira debit card use abroad has bolstered the local currency after three years of suspension, writes FELIX OLOYEDE

It was uplifting news for Nigerians on Monday when banks announced the resumption of the use of naira debit cards for international transactions. Many who have been struggling with the challenge of paying for their international subscriptions because of the ban on the use of local debit cards for international payments can finally heave a sigh of relief.

On Monday, GTBank announced that customers can now use their naira debit cards for international payments, with a limit of $1,000 per quarter. “The quarterly limit covers all transactions, including ATM cash withdrawals, purchases on international websites, POS (point of sale) payments outside Nigeria, and many more,” the bank said in a notice to customers.

Stanbic IBTC noted that a maximum of $500 per month could be spent using local credit cards. Other banks, including First Bank and Wema Bank, have also established a monthly limit of $500 on naira debit cards.

In a notice to customers, the UBA said the resumption aligned with its continued commitment to providing clients with seamless and enhanced banking experiences.

“In line with our continued commitment to providing you with seamless and enhanced banking experiences, we are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants, are now enabled for international transactions.

“This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for everyday payments, online shopping, POS, and ATM transactions across the world, with more ease and flexibility.

“If you haven’t used your card recently, now’s a great time to rediscover the convenience and prestige that comes with being a UBA premium cardholder,” the bank said.

Wema Bank also recently announced that customers can now pay in dollars using their naira cards.

“Your Wema Naira Mastercard just went global! Now you can pay in dollars on all your favourite international platforms: Amazon, eBay, AliExpress? Netflix, Spotify, YouTube,” the bank said.

FirstBank has announced that its Naira Mastercard can now be used for international transactions. Customers can “shop online or spend up to $500 every month on their preferred channel seamlessly,” the bank stated.

In a report, the Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co, Ayokunle Olubunmi, stated that the enhanced liquidity in the FX prompted banks to reactivate their naira cards for international transactions.

 “The moderating premium on the parallel market transactions and the reduced arbitrage opportunities are also responsible for the decision,” he said.

In December 2022, banks notified their customers that naira-denominated Mastercards would no longer be permitted for foreign transactions beginning December 31, 2022. This change was a response to the significant pressure on the local currency, which was caused by a shortage of dollars in the country.

Meanwhile, since the resumption of naira debit card use for international transactions, the local currency has gained almost N9 against the dollar. The naira, which exchanged $/1529.22 on Monday, has strengthened to $/1520.74 on Wednesday, according to data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website.

This year, the naira has gained N6.59 against the dollar, having opened the year at $/1,535.82. This is on the back of improved foreign inflow into the country.

Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration came on board, the country’s external reserves have appreciated by 6.37 per cent to $37.33bn on July 9 from $35.09bn on May 30, 2023.

The CBN recently announced a quantum leap in the net FX reserve position at $23.11bn at the end of last year.

Until recently, one of the biggest challenges facing the Nigerian economy was limited access to foreign exchange. This limitation forced businesses and travellers to rely on the parallel forex market to obtain funds, which in turn created arbitrage opportunities and fueled speculation in the foreign exchange market.

In response to this situation, the Central Bank of Nigeria implemented a series of bold reforms aimed at attracting more foreign capital to the economy and achieving stability in both prices and exchange rates.

In 2023, the Federal Government and the CBN launched sweeping reforms that reshaped the country’s economic landscape. The foreign exchange market was liberalised, fiscal deficit funding by the central bank was halted, and longstanding fuel subsidies were overhauled.

To bolster revenue and rein in inflation, the government also strengthened tax collection and introduced targeted monetary strategies. These reforms have since led to rising international reserves and improved access to foreign exchange through official channels.

Last December, Nigeria made a successful return to international capital markets, prompting rating agencies to upgrade the country’s outlook. Meanwhile, the emergence of a private domestic refinery is accelerating Nigeria’s climb up the petroleum value chain in a fully deregulated environment.

Nigeria recorded an average of $5.96bn in monthly FX inflows from May 2025 to date, according to recent analysis.

An industry report noted that total inflows surged by 62 per cent month-on-month in May, driven by heightened participation from both domestic and foreign investors. This represents one of the highest inflow levels in recent months, reflecting improved market sentiment fueled by ongoing macroeconomic reforms and a more stable naira.

In an emailed note to investors, analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited attributed the recent rise in FX inflows to stronger oil prices and the CBN’s efforts to diversify foreign exchange sources.

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Over the past few months, the CBN has activated multiple FX inflow channels aimed at boosting dollar liquidity, improving access for manufacturers and retail users, and supporting the naira’s recovery across official and parallel markets.

Key measures include initiatives to enhance diaspora remittances through new product offerings, licensing of additional International Money Transfer Operators, the adoption of a willing buyer–willing seller FX model, and ensuring prompt access to naira liquidity for IMTOs. These interventions have streamlined inflows for authorised dealers and other stakeholders, reinforcing confidence in the FX market.

Analysts noted that allowing travellers to use their naira cards abroad makes it easier for cardholders to pay hotel bills, make reservations, and conduct other transactions with their debit cards.

Upon assuming office in October 2023, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso prioritised reforms aimed at rebuilding Nigeria’s economic buffers and enhancing resilience.

At the time, the FX market was burdened by a $7bn backlog of unmet obligations and a fragmented multi-rate system that fostered arbitrage and discouraged foreign investment. This contributed to a sharp decline in external reserves, which fell to $33.22bn by December 2023.

“Over the past year, we have undertaken critical reforms to unify Nigeria’s exchange rate, eliminating distortions and restoring transparency. This unification has enabled us to clear the outstanding foreign exchange obligations, giving businesses—ranging from manufacturers to airlines—the confidence to plan and invest in the future. To further enhance the functionality of the foreign exchange market, we are introducing an electronic FX matching system, which has proven effective in other markets,” Cardoso said.

According to data from the apex bank, NFER reached $23.11bn, the highest level in over three years. This marks a significant increase from $3.99bn at the end of 2023, $8.19bn in 2022, and $14.59bn in 2021.

Nigeria’s net foreign exchange reserves—widely seen as a truer gauge of the nation’s capacity to meet short-term external obligations—have been buoyed by targeted monetary interventions.

Gross external reserves climbed to $40.19bn, up from $33.22bn at the close of 2023. This upswing reflects strategic actions by the Central Bank of Nigeria, which slashed short-term forex liabilities, including FX swaps and forward contracts, to strengthen the country’s reserve position.

Renewed confidence in the foreign exchange market, supported by deliberate policy measures and robust inflows from non-oil sectors, has further solidified the buffer. Analysts point to the CBN’s commitment to transparency and reserve management as a key driver of the positive momentum.

The result is a stronger and more transparent reserves position, better equipping Nigeria to withstand external shocks. This expansion occurred while the CBN continues to reduce short-term liabilities, thus improving the overall quality of the reserve position.

“This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability.

 “We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms,” Cardoso asserted.

The country’s external reserves have continued to strengthen in 2025, despite seasonal and transitional pressures in the first quarter, including sizable interest payments on foreign-denominated debt. Analysts note that the underlying fundamentals remain solid, with reserves projected to improve further in the second quarter.

The CBN projects a steady rise in reserve levels, driven by improved oil production and a more favourable export environment, which is expected to boost non-oil FX earnings and diversify external inflows.

The apex bank has reiterated its commitment to prudent reserve management, transparent reporting, and sound macroeconomic policies aimed at stabilising the exchange rate, attracting investment, and reinforcing long-term economic resilience.

Foreign capital inflows into the domestic economy are critical for achieving stability in both monetary and fiscal policies.

The central bank is looking for additional sources of foreign exchange to increase dollar inflows and improve access for manufacturers and retail end-users.

To achieve this, the central bank has taken several measures, including: boosting diaspora remittances through the development of new products, granting licenses to new International Money Transfer Operators, implementing a willing buyer-willing seller foreign exchange model, and ensuring timely access to naira liquidity for IMTOs. These actions have simplified the channels for dollar inflows, benefiting foreign exchange dealers and promoting business and economic growth.

Nigeria requires stronger and sustained economic growth to lift millions out of poverty and food insecurity, according to Axel Schimmelpfennig, IMF Mission Chief to Nigeria and Assistant Director in the Fund’s African Department.

In a recent report shared via email, SchimmelPfennig noted that the Nigerian authorities were committed to addressing those pressing challenges through targeted economic reforms and inclusive policy measures.

“This does not happen overnight. In the meantime, making growth more inclusive also requires scaling up the existing cash transfer system.  Second, as an essential ingredient for economic development, Nigeria needs an effective budget framework. Delivering effective investments in people and infrastructure requires realistic budget assumptions, strong expenditure management, and transparent implementation and reporting, which, in turn, can strengthen accountability. For its part, monetary policy should continue to decisively tackle inflation and reduce economic uncertainty,” he said.

Additionally, the IMF’s resident representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke,  the government should continue to increase domestic revenues.

“This is essential given Nigeria’s substantial funding needs in growth-enabling areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, including access to electricity, and climate adaptation. The government’s tax reforms will make it easier to pay taxes and ensure that everyone who owes taxes pays them,” he explained.

With the return of naira card usage abroad, a stronger local currency, and renewed investor confidence, Nigeria appears to be turning a critical corner in its economic recovery. Backed by bold reforms from the central bank and supported by coordinated fiscal efforts, the country is steadily regaining its footing in global financial markets.

While challenges remain, the restoration of international spending power for Nigerians is more than a symbolic win—it’s a clear sign that the FX market is stabilising, external buffers are rebuilding, and trust is being restored. If sustained, these gains could lay the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive economy in the years ahead

Felix Oloyede