Naira to Dollar official & black market rates today, Thursday, January 15, 2026

GistReel

The Nigerian Naira opened Thursday, January 15, at around ₦1,422.25 per US Dollar on the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), showing minor fluctuations against the greenback.

The informal parallel market also reflected slight changes, with rates hovering between ₦1,495 and ₦1,510 per Dollar.

Market participants are closely watching liquidity levels and the impact of Central Bank interventions as January 2026 progresses.

Official Market Performance

Early trading data from the NFEM revealed that the Naira edged slightly weaker during the morning, moving from ₦1,422.25 to ₦1,423.42 per Dollar.

Analysts describe this intraday movement as relatively stable but sensitive to the availability of foreign exchange.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing interventions appear to be smoothing volatility and narrowing the gap between the official and parallel market rates.

Parallel Market Trends

In the informal market, the Naira continues to trade at a premium compared to official rates.

Bureau De Change operators in major cities like Lagos and Abuja reported rates between ₦1,495 and ₦1,510 per Dollar for buyers.

High demand for dollars, driven by personal travel allowances, school fees, and small-scale imports, sustains this disparity.

Despite higher costs, liquidity in the parallel market is often more accessible than through formal banking channels.

Market Outlook

Observers expect the Naira to maintain its current range for the rest of the week. Key factors likely to influence its performance include:

Global crude oil price fluctuations affecting Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

Trading volumes through the official NFEM window.

Anticipated policy announcements on interest rates and inflation control.