Naira to Dollar official/black market rates today, Thursday, February 12, 2026
The Nigerian Naira traded around ₦1,354.01 per dollar on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marking its strongest level in two years at the official market.
The local currency extended its recent rally as fresh measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continued to support supply and calm demand pressures.
The latest gains follow deliberate efforts by the apex bank to boost retail dollar liquidity and reduce the long-standing gap between official and parallel market rates.
Official Market Shows Strong Momentum
At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the Naira opened trading at ₦1,351.65 per dollar. This came after Wednesday’s appreciation, when the currency closed at ₦1,348.95.
By mid-morning on Thursday, the rate adjusted slightly to ₦1,354.01, still reflecting a firm and stable position below the ₦1,360 mark.
Financial analysts say the sustained improvement is linked to the CBN’s decision to reopen dollar sales to licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.
Under the new arrangement, BDCs are allowed to purchase up to $150,000 weekly from the official window.
Market observers believe the move has eased pressure in the retail segment. It has also improved transparency and price discovery, helping the Naira trade at levels not seen since early 2024.
Parallel Market Remains Stable
The parallel market has also shown signs of stability following increased dollar supply in the official window.
In Lagos and Abuja, the dollar exchanged between ₦1,430 and ₦1,440 on Thursday. Although a gap of about ₦90 remains between the official and street rates, traders say volatility has reduced.
Currency dealers report that improved access to official dollars for personal travel and small business transactions has weakened speculative demand in the informal market.
Market Outlook
Summary of exchange rates for February 12:
NFEM Opening Rate: ₦1,351.65
NFEM Mid-Morning Rate: ₦1,354.01
Parallel Market Rate: ₦1,430 – ₦1,440
Attention now turns to whether the CBN can sustain its liquidity drive in the coming weeks.
With external reserves offering support and confidence gradually returning, the Naira appears well positioned to maintain its ground through the rest of February.
Investors and consumers will be watching closing figures closely, as they will determine whether the currency can firmly stay below the ₦1,360 threshold.
