Naira Trades at ₦1,450/$1 Official Rate as Parallel Market Hits ₦1,474 Amid Rising FX Demand

Naira Trades at ₦1,450/$1 Official Rate as Parallel Market Hits ₦1,474 Amid Rising FX Demand

The naira exchange rate held around ₦1,450 per US dollar at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) on Friday, November 21, 2025, while the parallel market in Lagos quoted the dollar between ₦1,460 (buy) and ₦1,474 (sell).

Market trackers reported that the CBN’s volume-weighted NFEM rate stayed within the mid-₦1,400 band, even as street traders priced the dollar higher in response to sustained demand pressures from importers, retail foreign-exchange users and remittance channels outside the formal system.

Analysts say the persistent gap between the official and black-market rates reflects low FX inflows, strong dollar demand, and limited accessibility to official allocations. Although recent CBN policies, including a September 2025 interest-rate cut and targeted interventions, have helped curb volatility, they have not eliminated the premium in the parallel window.

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What the FX gap means for Nigerians

Importers: Higher black-market rates push up the cost of imports, especially for businesses unable to access official FX.
Consumers: Rising import costs may translate to higher prices for goods and services.
Remittances & travel: Individuals converting dollars informally receive fewer naira per dollar, increasing the effective cost of foreign currency.

The latest figures underscore ongoing pressure in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market, even as policymakers continue efforts to stabilise the naira.

Naira Trades at ₦1,450/$1 Official Rate as Parallel Market Hits ₦1,474 Amid Rising FX Demand