Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today in Nigeria (CBN Official Rate vs Black Market) – December 17, 2025

The Nigerian naira recorded notable movements across official and unofficial foreign exchange markets on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, reflecting sustained demand pressure as the year approaches its end.

Latest figures from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market show that the naira weakened slightly against the United States dollar at the official window. The dollar is trading at an average rate of ₦1,453.67, marking a marginal depreciation from the previous trading session. In early trading hours, the local currency briefly touched a high of ₦1,454.97 per dollar, highlighting ongoing volatility in the forex market.

Market analysts link the recent fluctuations to increased dollar demand from businesses settling end-of-year import payments, international trade obligations, and foreign service invoices ahead of the holiday season. This seasonal demand has continued to exert pressure on the naira despite regulatory efforts to stabilize the market.

In the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, exchange rates remain higher than official levels. As of today, currency dealers in major commercial centres such as Lagos, Abuja, and Kano are buying the dollar at about ₦1,475 and selling between ₦1,480 and ₦1,485. Although the gap between official and street rates has narrowed compared to previous weeks, the disparity continues to affect small businesses, travellers, and informal importers who rely on the parallel market for foreign currency access.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to maintaining adequate liquidity within the official forex window to limit excessive volatility. Recent interventions by the apex bank are believed to have helped moderate sharp currency swings, even as external factors such as global oil price movements and foreign reserve pressures continue to influence the naira’s performance.

Other major foreign currencies also recorded mixed movements. The British pound sterling is trading at approximately ₦1,943 in the official market, while the euro stands at about ₦1,707. In the parallel market, rates for both currencies are higher, with the pound approaching the ₦2,000 mark in some locations.

As economic activity intensifies toward year-end, financial analysts advise businesses and individuals to monitor forex trends closely and plan foreign currency transactions strategically to manage exchange rate risks in Nigeria’s evolving foreign exchange landscape.