Naira Slips Again in Official Market as CBN Intervention Looms
By Aboki Forex —
The naira weakened slightly against the US dollar in the official foreign exchange market on Friday, extending recent pressure on the Nigerian currency.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) closed at N1,375.46 per dollar. That marked a decline of N3.15 or 0.23 percent from the previous session's rate of N1,372.31 per dollar.
The naira also lost ground against other major currencies. It fell to N1,849.72 per British pound, down N9.46 from N1,840.26 per pound. Against the euro, it dropped to N1,597.04, a loss of N6.26 from N1,590.78.
At the GTBank FX desk, the naira traded at N1,381 per dollar, slightly weaker than the N1,379 recorded earlier.
In the parallel market, the naira also declined, trading at N1,393 per dollar. Traders said demand and supply were balanced during the week.
Abudullahi, a Lagos-based trader, told Legit.ng: “I sold the dollar at around N1,393 per dollar, while buying was about N1,382 per dollar. The pound traded between N1,840 and N1,860, and the euro ranged from N1,590 to N1,605. There was no major movement.”
Analysts Expect Sustained CBN Action
Analysts at Cowry Asset Management Limited said the naira will likely remain under mild pressure in the near term due to persistent FX demand. They noted that rising external reserves could help cushion volatility.
The CBN has insisted the naira is not being artificially propped up. Governor Olayemi Cardoso told journalists after the latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting that the recent stability is market-driven, following reforms and increased liquidity.
Here is a breakdown of the naira's performance against other foreign currencies on Friday, based on CBN published rates:
CFA: N2.43
Yuan/Renminbi: N202.47
Danish Krona: N213.67
Euro: N1,597.04
Yen: N8.65
Riyal: N366.52
South African Rand: N83.72
Swiss Franc: N1,751.51
Pounds Sterling: N1,849.72
US Dollar: N1,375.46
WAUA: N1,875.62
UAE Dirham: N374.46