NAFEM turnover rises to $1.41bn, naira gains to N1,350/$
By Aboki Forex —
Turnover on the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market climbed to $1.41bn on 17 August 2026, the highest level in five weeks, as trading activity recovered sharply from earlier declines.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed the latest turnover was more than seven times the $185m recorded on 11 August.
Sharp rebound after volatile week
Activity fluctuated over recent sessions. Turnover rose to $607.47m on 12 August after falling to the 11-week low of $185m on 11 August. It then declined to $387.09m on 13 August and $352.34m on 14 August before surging to $1.41bn on 17 August.
The session recorded 394 deals, including 178 interbank transactions. The 17 August figure was the highest since 21 July, when NAFEM turnover stood at $1.53bn.
Naira firms at official market
The increase in market activity came with a stronger naira. The currency closed at N1,350 per dollar on 17 August, compared with N1,358.25/$ at the previous session. That represented an N8.25 appreciation against the dollar.
The weighted average exchange rate was N1,349.54/$, while the simple average stood at N1,350.98/$. The latest closing rate was also stronger than the N1,365/$ recorded on 11 August, when NAFEM turnover reached its recent low.
Sustainability question and reserves
An emerging markets expert said the higher activity must be sustained before concluding that market liquidity has improved.
“The increase in NAFEM turnover is encouraging, but the key issue is whether the higher level of activity can be sustained. A few large transactions can significantly distort daily turnover, so we need to see consistent volumes over several trading sessions before concluding that market liquidity has materially improved,” he warned.
Nigeria’s external reserves remain at elevated levels. CBN data showed reserves reached $52.02bn on 20 July 2026, the highest level since January 2009. The reserve position has already exceeded the CBN’s December projection of $51.04bn for the full year.
For Nigerian businesses, sustained growth in NAFEM turnover would mean improved access to official FX liquidity. Without consistent volumes, the recent rebound may not signal a lasting shift in market conditions.