A circular to authorised dealer banks released and signed by CBN director, Trade & Exchange Department, Hassan Mahmud, said earlier directive to the IOCs to send 50 per cent of the FX proceeds to their home countries at once, and the other 50 per cent after 90 days stays.
However, the balance 50 per cent of the repatriated funds could now be used to settle financial obligations locally, whenever required, during the prescribed 90-day period.
The apex bank’s approved expenditure plans for the IOCs include settlement of Petroleum Profit Tax, royalty, domestic contractor invoices, cash call and domestic loan principal and interest payment.
He had earlier directed authorised dealer banks to allow IOCs to repatriate such funds in batches to reduce their negative effects on the foreign exchange market.
“A maximum of 50 per cent in the first instance, while a balance of 50 percent could be repatriated after 90 days from the date of the inflow of the export proceeds,” the circular said.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has observed that proceeds of oil exports by International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria are transferred offshore to fund parent accounts of the IOCs (otherwise referred to as “cash pooling”). This has an impact on liquidity in the foreign exchange market,” earlier circular said.
“While the CBN strongly supports the need for IOCs to have easy access to their export proceeds, particularly to meet their offshore obligations, this must be done with minimal negative impact on liquidity in the Nigerian foreign exchange market.”
“In line with the ongoing reforms in the foreign exchange market, it has become necessary to take measures to address this trend. Consequently, the CBN hereby directs banks are allowed to pool cash on behalf of IOCs, subject to a maximum of 50 per cent of the repatriated export proceeds in the first instance.
The balance of 50 per cent may be repatriated after 90 days from the date of inflow of the export proceeds. “The above shall be subject to prior approval of the CBN for the repatriation of funds under the “Cash Pooling” transaction; Cash Pooling” agreement with the parent entity of the IOCs operating in Nigeria, statement of expenditure incurred by the IOC in the immediate past period relating to the “Cash Pooling, evidence of the source of foreign exchange inflows and completion of relevant Forex Form(s) as required under extant regulations,” the apex bank.
