The Nigerian naira opened the week weaker at the official foreign exchange market, shedding value against the US dollar despite stability in the parallel market.
According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira weakened to N1,390.36 per dollar on Monday, down from N1,386.55 recorded at the close of trading the previous Friday. This represents a depreciation of N3.81 for the day, marking a bearish start for the local currency in the official window.
In contrast, the black-market exchange rate remained unchanged. Multiple Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, reported the naira trading between N1,460 and N1,470 per dollar, the same range observed at the end of the prior week. This persistent gap highlights the enduring disparity between the CBN’s official rate and the parallel market, a symptom of underlying foreign exchange supply constraints and demand pressures.
This movement reverses the significant appreciation the naira experienced across both markets in the preceding week. That earlier gain was widely attributed to the CBN’s continued efforts to mop up excess liquidity and bolster foreign exchange supply through various regulatory measures.
The CBN’s latest external reserves data shows Nigeria’s gross reserves stood at $46.18 billion as of January 29, 2026. The level, while substantial, remains a critical indicator of the country’s capacity to defend the currency and meet import obligations, influencing market sentiment on the naira’s resilience.
The divergence between the official and parallel market rates continues to be a focal point for economic watchers. The stability in the black market despite official depreciation suggests that underlying structural demand for foreign currency remains robust. Market analysts note that sustainable convergence will depend heavily on improving dollar liquidity through increased export earnings, foreign direct investment, and a favorable balance on the current account.
The central bank’s ongoing regulatory interventions aim to streamline the forex market and curb speculative activities. However, the persistence of a wide premium between the official and parallel rates indicates deep-seated challenges in the foreign exchange market. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the CBN’s next policy moves and the trajectory of the nation’s external reserves for signals on the naira’s medium-term direction.
