The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it has settled outstanding payments owed to foreign airlines operating in the country.
According to the CBN, it has disbursed an additional $64.44 million to address unpaid ticket revenue, bringing the total amount paid to $136.73 million. This move is part of the CBN’s efforts to resolve the backlog of foreign exchange owed to various sectors, including the air transport industry.
CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, emphasized that the payment of verified claims signifies the bank’s commitment to addressing foreign exchange issues. The statement, titled “FX Backlog: CBN Concludes Payment of All Verified Claims By Airlines,” underscores the bank’s dedication to clearing outstanding debts and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. Governor Olayemi Cardoso and his team reaffirmed their commitment to resolving payment backlogs across different sectors.
However, foreign airlines operating in Nigeria have expressed disagreement over the total amount of unpaid ticket revenue. Despite the CBN’s announcement of full payment to verified claims, the discrepancy in figures suggests ongoing tensions between the central bank and the airlines.
Source: Punch