Naira gains N11.12 week-on-week at official market, stays flat at N1,405 on black market

The naira appreciated by N11.12 against the United States dollar on a week-on-week basis at the official foreign exchange market, according to Central Bank of Nigeria data.

At the close of trading on Friday, the naira traded at N1,346.49 per dollar, compared with N1,347.63 recorded on Thursday. That translates to a marginal day-on-day gain of N1.14.

Official market movement

The latest CBN figures show steady strengthening in the official window over the past week. The N11.12 gain in seven days reflects continued demand and supply dynamics in the market, even as daily movements remain relatively small.

Friday's closing rate of N1,346.49 marks the strongest official level within the period covered by the data.

Black market and external reserves

At the black market, the naira was unchanged on Friday, holding at N1,405 per dollar, the same rate as Thursday. That leaves a gap of about N58.51 between the official and parallel market rates.

Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves stood at $52.66 billion as of August 19, 2026, according to the apex bank. The reserves figure provides some cushion for currency stability, though market watchers continue to track how much is available for intervention.

What it means

The steady official rate alongside a stable black market suggests reduced pressure in the short term. A narrower gap between both rates, if sustained, could support business planning and import pricing. However, the gains so far are modest and the broader outlook still depends on dollar supply, monetary policy, and global oil prices.