…Naira opened at around N1,455.98 per $1.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Nigerian Naira continues to show fluctuations against the United States Dollar as trading commenced on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and parallel market segments indicate a slight narrowing of the gap between official and unofficial exchange rates.
In the official foreign exchange market, the Naira opened at around N1,455.98 per $1. This follows a week of relative volatility, with rates previously reaching highs of N1,458 before slightly stabilizing toward the weekend. Market turnover remains steady as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues its efforts to manage liquidity and limit excessive speculation in the official window.
In the parallel or unofficial market, the Naira typically trades at a premium to the official rate. Early reports from Bureau De Change operators in Lagos and Abuja show the dollar trading between N1,720 and N1,745, depending on transaction size and location.
Although the spread between official and parallel markets persists, traders note that demand for holiday-related imports is easing, providing some relief for the local currency.
Key drivers of the Naira’s performance include: Liquidity Interventions: Ongoing CBN efforts to supply foreign exchange to legitimate end-users.
Oil Revenues: Fluctuations in global crude oil prices impacting Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
Holiday Demand: Seasonal increases in travel and retail purchases as the year draws to a close.
Market analysts predict that the Naira is likely to remain within the current range for the rest of the year unless there is a significant change in monetary policy or a sharp spike in global oil prices.
