Figures cited by Daily Post show that the Nigerian Naira began the 2026 trading year on a positive note, appreciating to N1,430.84 against the U.S. dollar in the official market. This represents a 0.34% gain compared to the closing rate of N1,435.75 recorded on December 31, 2025.
The currency’s performance is being linked to renewed investor confidence following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) aggressive monetary tightening and structural reforms in the foreign exchange market. Market analysts suggest that the stability seen in the opening days of the year could signal a less volatile period for the local currency.
In its first trading assessment of the year, BusinessDay noted that the ‘Naira extends rally in first trading day of 2026,’ as supply liquidity showed signs of improvement. Meanwhile, The Nation reported that the apex bank is betting on ‘structural changes in oil, tax, and foreign exchange markets to sustain growth and disinflation’ throughout the fiscal year.
Echotitbits take: This early gain is a psychological victory for the CBN’s ‘orthodox’ monetary policy. If the bank can maintain this trajectory without depleting reserves too quickly, we may see a gradual convergence between the official and parallel market rates by the second quarter.
Source: Nigeria Housing Market — https://www.nigeriahousingmarket.com/news/naira-outlook-2026-analysts-project-stronger-fx-stability-as-fundamentals-improve
Nigeria Housing Market January 3, 2026
Photo Credit: Nigeria Housing Market
