Naira weakens by N4.75 as FX turnover crashes, but July gain puts it among Africa's top 10
By Aboki Forex —
The naira depreciated by N4.75 against the dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, even as Nigeria's external reserves climbed to $52.14 billion. The currency, however, recorded a 0.58% gain in July 2026, placing it among Africa's 10 best-performing currencies.
Tuesday's official market
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the dollar quoted at N1,364.89 at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), compared with N1,360.14 on Monday. That represents a 0.35% depreciation in the naira's value.
In the parallel market, the naira remained stable at N1,425 per dollar.
Trading activity in the interbank market fell sharply. Total turnover dropped by 86.41% to $29.06 million on Tuesday, down from $213.85 million in the previous session. The number of deals also fell by 74.18% to 47 transactions, from 182 on Monday.
NFEM activity had already moderated on Monday, with turnover falling 48.24% to $646.51 million from $1.25 billion recorded on Friday. The reduced trading volume points to weaker market activity even as the naira trades within a relatively narrow range.
Reserves and CBN support
Nigeria's external reserves reached $52.14 billion as of August 10, 2026, according to CBN data. That is a 29.41% increase from the $40.29 billion recorded on August 8, 2025.
The sustained rise in reserves gives the CBN a stronger buffer to meet external obligations and support stability in the foreign exchange market. The central bank also increased its foreign exchange sales to about $1.4 billion in July, compared with $320 million in June, to address seasonal demand pressures.
Analysts at Quest Merchant Bank said Nigeria's external position remained positive, pointing to supportive oil prices, capital inflows and the monetary authorities' policy framework as factors that could help strengthen reserves further.
July performance and outlook
Despite Tuesday's depreciation, the naira strengthened from N1,376 per dollar at the end of June to N1,368 per dollar at the end of July, a 0.58% gain. While that monthly gain was smaller than those recorded by some of Africa's leading currencies, it was enough to place the naira among the continent's currencies that appreciated against the dollar.
The contrasting movements underline the naira's recent volatility. The currency remains vulnerable to short-term fluctuations, but stronger external reserves and improved market conditions could provide greater support in the months ahead.
For Nigerian businesses and consumers, the combination of higher reserves and increased CBN FX sales could help moderate exchange rate swings. A steadier naira would ease import costs and support price stability, but the sharp drop in official market turnover shows demand remains thin and short-term pressures persist.