The liberalization of Nigeria’s foreign exchange regime in 2023, resulting in a significant devaluation of the Naira, has created a mixed bag of outcomes for companies. The effects, both positive and negative, have reverberated across the financial landscape.
One notable consequence is the varied impact on companies with dollar-denominated loans versus those with substantial dollar reserves. The former faced a considerable blow, while the latter experienced a boost in earnings, showcasing the divergent paths companies took amid the currency devaluation.
Banks emerged as significant beneficiaries of the Naira devaluation, with some recording substantial foreign exchange revaluation gains that positively influenced their profits.
However, the scenario was different for certain sectors, particularly fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses heavily reliant on imported materials. These companies felt the pinch due to increased exposure to foreign exchange, resulting in a surge in foreign exchange losses.
Mustapha Umaru, an equity research analyst at CSL Stockbrokers Limited, highlighted the challenges faced by firms relying on imported raw materials, emphasizing the spike in foreign exchange losses. The nuanced impacts of Naira devaluation underscore the importance of understanding how different industries navigate the evolving financial landscape.
Source: Business Day