Forex inflow jumps 31% to $3.7bn in May, naira gains support
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria's foreign exchange inflow rose by 31 percent month-on-month to $3.7 billion in May 2026. This is according to data from the FMDQ Exchange. The increase came after two months of decline. It happened despite global uncertainties from tensions in the Middle East.
Domestic inflows became the main source of forex supply. They contributed about $2.1 billion. That is up from $1.2 billion in April. Domestic sources made up 56 percent of total inflows in May.
Exporter proceeds drove domestic liquidity. Inflows from exporters surged by 107 percent month-on-month to $1.4 billion. That was 68 percent of total domestic forex supply. Analysts at Quest Merchant Bank said stronger oil export receipts were the main reason. Higher global crude oil prices from supply disruptions helped.
The Central Bank of Nigeria also supported the market. Its total forex sales rose to about $125 million. On a year-on-year basis, forex inflows fell by 44 percent. This shows lingering liquidity problems and cautious foreign investor sentiment.