The Nigerian Naira has recorded its first appreciation against the United States Dollar since December 2, 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria. On Friday, the Naira strengthened to N1,454.4123 per dollar, up from N1,456.0656 on Thursday, representing a gain of N1.66 per dollar. This development marks a reversal of the currency’s depreciation trend over the past eleven days, during which it lost N9 in value.
The Naira’s appreciation is a notable shift in the foreign exchange market, where the currency has been under pressure in recent weeks. Despite this positive movement, the Naira remains relatively weak, with a significant gap between the official and black market exchange rates. At the black market, the Naira was unchanged at N1,490 per dollar on Friday, the same rate it has held since Monday, according to Bureau De Change operators in Abuja.
The improvement in the Naira’s value comes as Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased to $45.44 billion as of December 11, 2025, up from $44.91 billion on December 2. This growth in reserves may have contributed to the Naira’s appreciation, as a stronger reserve position can help to boost investor confidence and support the currency.
The Naira’s performance is closely watched by investors and economists, as it has a significant impact on the country’s economy. A stable and strong currency can help to attract foreign investment, boost trade, and reduce inflation. However, the Naira’s volatility in recent months has raised concerns about the country’s economic stability and its ability to manage its currency effectively.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has been working to stabilize the Naira and improve the country’s foreign exchange market. The bank has implemented various measures, including tightening monetary policy and introducing new foreign exchange regulations, to support the currency and attract foreign investment. As the Naira continues to fluctuate, investors and economists will be closely monitoring its performance and the impact of the Central Bank’s policies on the currency’s value.