It Is Now Official; CBN Prohibits Foreign Currency Cash Deposits Into Bank Accounts

BEVERLY HILLS, August 05, (THEWILL) – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Wednesday officially placed a countrywide ban on foreign currency cash deposits in banks to stop illicit financial flows into the Nigerian banking system. The ban, which became effective on Wednesday, is permanent.

A circular by Olakanmi I. Gbadamosi, its Director of Trade and Exchange Department, directed to all authorized dealers and the general public said, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has considered the recent statements by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) concerning the large volume of foreign currencies in their vaults and the decision to stop accepting foreign currency cash deposits into customers' domiciliary accounts as a welcome development.

“Therefore, in its continued efforts to stop illicit financial flows in the Nigerian banking system which aligns with the anti-money Laundering stance of the Federal Government, the CBN hereby prohibits from the date of this circular the acceptance of foreign currency cash deposits by DMBs.

“For foreign currency cash lodgments made prior to the date of this circular, the account holder has the option to either withdraw his or her foreign currency cash or the Naira equivalent. For the avoidance of doubt, only wire transfers to and from Domiciliary Accounts are henceforth permissible.

“The CBN advises individuals that wish to source foreign currency for eligible and legitimate purposes such as BTA, PTA medical, mortgage, school fees, goods etc. to do so through recognized channels with the use of Form 'A' for “invisible” and Form 'M' for “visible” transactions.

“Please ensure strict compliance.”