Naira to Dollar official & black market rates today, Friday, December 26, 2025
The Nigerian naira traded against the US dollar within a tight range in the informal foreign exchange market on Friday as easing post-Christmas demand helped offset pressures recorded earlier in the festive period.
Checks with Bureau De Change (BDC) operators across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and other major cities showed that the dollar exchanged at about ₦1,460 to buy and ₦1,470 to sell on Friday, December 26, 2025.
The marginal movement reflects softer demand after most households and businesses concluded their major foreign currency purchases ahead of Christmas.
Naira Holds Firm After Christmas
Traders said activity slowed noticeably following the holiday, with fewer buyers entering the market compared to the days leading up to Christmas. This moderation in demand helped prevent sharp price swings in the parallel market.
At the same time, increased inflows from diaspora remittances have improved dollar liquidity, providing support for the naira despite still-elevated transaction volumes.
Black Market Rate Snapshot
Data from currency dealers showed a slight improvement compared with earlier in the week.
On Friday, December 26, the black market rate stood at ₦1,460 per dollar for buying and ₦1,470 for selling, representing a ₦5 appreciation from Wednesday’s levels of ₦1,465 and ₦1,475 respectively.
Where the Dollar Trades Today
Across major commercial centres, the dollar traded within the ₦1,460–₦1,470 range. Dealers noted that most transactions were completed near the selling rate, although overall demand was weaker than pre-Christmas levels.
They attributed the relative calm to improved liquidity, largely driven by funds sent home by Nigerians abroad during the holiday season.
Factors Shaping the Exchange Rate
Market participants identified several elements influencing pricing in the parallel market.
Post-Christmas demand has eased as travel and holiday-related purchases were largely concluded earlier in the week. Rising remittance inflows from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and parts of Europe have also boosted supply.
In addition, import activity has slowed as many firms completed year-end obligations, while traders reported reduced speculative buying and more balanced transactions. Supportive global oil prices have further strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s external earnings outlook.
Impact on Businesses and Households
The current exchange rate presents mixed implications for the economy. Improved dollar availability has brought some predictability for businesses, while households making late foreign currency purchases face slightly lower costs.
However, import-dependent firms continue to grapple with high costs compared to earlier in the year, and reliance on the parallel market underscores ongoing constraints in accessing official foreign exchange. Inflation risks also remain should stability weaken in the new year.
Market Outlook
Analysts expect the naira to trade within a narrow band in the final days of 2025 as holiday activities wind down and remittance inflows remain steady.
Short-term projections place the exchange rate between ₦1,455 and ₦1,475 per dollar, with attention focused on post-holiday remittance volumes, January import demand, oil price movements and any liquidity measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Current Rate Summary
As of Friday, December 26, 2025, the dollar exchanged in the black market at ₦1,460 to buy and ₦1,470 to sell, with reduced festive demand and steady remittance inflows remaining the key drivers of naira performance.
