2025-12-31 08:21:00
Figures cited by PUNCH show the Central Bank of Nigeria expects external reserves to climb to about $51.04bn in 2026, up from a projected $45bn in 2025, based on assumptions about FX-market conditions and inflows.
The forecast is tied to the CBN’s 2026 macro outlook, leaning on expectations of reduced pressure in the FX market, improved export earnings, and higher remittance inflows.
CBN also points to refining capacity and broader reforms as potential tailwinds that reduce import pressure and support reserve accumulation over time.
Validation: Channels Television said “The external reserves are projected at $51.04bn in 2026, compared with $45.01bn in 2025.” and The Guardian reported “external reserves… to rise to US$51.04 billion.”
Echotitbits take: This projection is optimistic—and markets will judge credibility by liquidity and transparency. Watch the drivers: oil receipts, diaspora remittances, and whether FX spreads truly narrow across official and parallel windows.
Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/fx-reserves-to-hit-51bn-by-2026-cbn/)
The Punch 31 December 2025
Photo Credit: The Punch
