Tinubu Suspends Central Bank Governor Of Nigeria1 min read

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, from office with immediate effect.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, from office with immediate effect,” the government said in a statement.

This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the deputy governor (operations directorate), who will act as the Central Bank governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

Tinubu criticised Emefiele’s handling of the currency and monetary policy at his inauguration last week and called on the central bank to work towards a unified exchange rate.

Financial markets were closed when the news of Emefiele’s suspension was announced. Markets will open on Tuesday after a public holiday on Monday.

Nigeria is facing severe dollar shortages, forcing many citizens and business to seek foreign exchange on the black market, where its naira currency has progressively weakened.

Emefiele has been selling dollars at various rates to individuals and businesses to manage the demand, mask pressure on the naira and conserve its dwindling reserves.

He has been adjusting the naira gradually on the official market to avoid a large devaluation. On Wednesday, the central bank allowed the naira to weaken by 2% on the official market to a record low.