LAGOS, July 2 (Reuters) - Nigeria's naira easedmarginally against the U.S. currency on Wednesday after strongdemand for the greenback countered the effect of dollar sales bysome oil companies, dealers said.
The naira was 162.90 against the dollar at the close oftrade, compared with 162.80 the previous day.
Traders said the local unit of Royal Dutch Shell,sold an undisclosed amount of dollars, its second sale thisweek, while Italy's Eni sold about $15 million towardthe close of market.
"We expect the naira to strengthen in the near term becauseof the expectation of dollar sale by the NNPC (state-ownedenergy company) in a few days time," one dealer said.
NNPC, which sells hard currency to banks on a monthly basis,accounts for the bulk of dollar traded on the interbank inAfrica's biggest economy.
The naira has traded within a tight range since last week,due to dollar sales by oil companies, supporting the localcurrency within a band of 162.85-162.90. (Reporting by Oludare Mayowa; Editing by Chijioke Ohuocha)