LAGOS, July 23 (Reuters) - The Nigerian naira firmed against the greenback on Wednesday, lifted by month-enddollar sales from multinational oil companies buying the localcurrency to meet their domestic obligations, dealers said.
The local unit closed at 162.08 naira to the U.S. dollar, up0.12 percent from 162.28 naira the previous day.
The local unit of Italy's Eni sold $20 million andFrance's Total sold $55 million, while two units ofAddax sold a total of $10 million and Shell sold anundisclosed amount onto the interbank market, dealers said.
Multinational oil companies operating in Africa's biggesteconomy usually sell dollars every month in exchange for localcurrency to meet their local obligations.
Dealers expect the naira to strengthen further this weektrading within a range of 161-162 level as more oil companiessell dollars. (Reporting by Oludare Mayowa; Editing by Chijioke Ohuocha andSonya Hepinstall)