US Tariff: CBN’s $197.71M Intervention To Stabilize Economy Amid Oil Price Drop

President Donald Trump’s broad trade tariffs on a number of nations have caused crude oil prices to weaken, falling more than 12% to about $65.50 per barrel.

Oil had traded above $70 per barrel before the tariffs were announced.

According to OPEC Secretariat calculations, the price of the OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $75.35 per barrel on Thursday, compared to $77.44 the previous day.

Nigeria relies on crude oil exports for 90% of its foreign exchange.

In a swift move, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in a circular on Sunday, said it has facilitated market activity on Friday with the provision of $197.71 million through sales to authorised dealers.

According to the Apex Bank, the move is in line with its commitment to ensuring adequate liquidity and supporting orderly market functioning, adding that the measured step aligns with its broader objective of fostering a stable, transparent, and efficient foreign exchange market.

It noted that recent movements in the foreign exchange market between April 3 and 4, 2025, “reflected broader global macroeconomic shifts currently affecting several emerging market and developing economies.”

“These developments were as a result of the recent announcement of new import tariffs by the United States government on imports from several economies, which has triggered a period of adjustment across global markets.

“Crude oil prices have also weakened—declining by over 12% to approximately US$65.50 per barrel—presenting new dynamics for oil-exporting countries such as Nigeria,” the statement added.