Tag: forex market

  • Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $46.91bn as Naira Closes at N1,366.19

    Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $46.91bn as Naira Closes at N1,366.19

    According to Daily Post reporting, the Nigerian Naira concluded the week at N1,366.19 against the US Dollar at the official foreign exchange market, marking a slight daily depreciation from its previous standing. Despite this minor dip, the nation’s economic outlook remains bolstered by a significant surge in external reserves, which have now climbed to $46.91 billion as of early February 2026.

    The local currency’s performance showed resilience on a week-on-week basis, gaining approximately N20.36 at the official window. Meanwhile, the parallel market—often referred to as the black market—saw the Naira ending the week with a notable N10 gain, settling at a rate of N1,450 per dollar. This convergence of rates is seen as a positive sign of stabilizing liquidity within the financial system.

    Market analysts note that the steady accumulation of foreign reserves provides the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with a stronger buffer to manage exchange rate volatility. This development was further validated by The Punch, which noted that “the robust reserve level is a testament to improved crude oil receipts and tighter fiscal controls,” while Vanguard added that “the stability in the FX market is increasingly attracting the interest of offshore portfolio investors.”

    Echotitbits take: The climb to $46.91bn in reserves is a major milestone for the Tinubu administration’s economic team. It suggests that the aggressive monetary tightening and FX reforms are finally yielding a “liquidity cushion.” Watch for whether the CBN will use this surplus to intervene more frequently in the retail end of the market to further close the gap between official and parallel rates.

    Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/07/naira-closes-week-at-n1366-19-per-dollar-as-nigerias-external-reserves-hit-46-91bn/, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: Daily Post

  • Naira Maintains Stability Against Dollar Amid Low Speculative Demand

    Naira Maintains Stability Against Dollar Amid Low Speculative Demand

    Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Nigerian Naira opened at ₦1,367.10 per dollar in the official window this Friday, maintaining a steady course below the ₦1,400 threshold. Financial analysts attribute this relative calm to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) consistent market interventions and a transparent electronic trading framework that has significantly dampened the activities of currency speculators.

    The currency’s performance was also tracked by BusinessDay and The Cable, which both reported a narrowing gap between the official and parallel markets. BusinessDay observed that “the absence of aggressive hoarding has stabilized retail demand,” while The Cable quoted a BDC operator in Abuja saying, “The market is no longer as volatile as it was last year; supply is more predictable now.”

    Market experts suggest that the current stability is a result of a 15.15% moderating inflation rate and the CBN’s decision to maintain the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.00%. This high-interest-rate environment has continued to attract foreign portfolio investment, providing the necessary liquidity to support the local currency.

    Echotitbits take: The Naira’s stability is a win for the CBN’s orthodox monetary policies. However, for this to be sustainable in the long term, Nigeria needs to significantly diversify its export base to move beyond total reliance on oil-driven forex inflows.

    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/business-economy/economy/1695016-dollar-stumbles-year-naira-opens-month-a-surprise-surge/, February 6, 2026

    Photo credit: Legit.ng

  • Local Currency Firms Up Against Dollar in Early 2026 Trading

    Local Currency Firms Up Against Dollar in Early 2026 Trading

    Local Currency Firms Up Against Dollar in Early 2026 Trading

    Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Nigerian Naira began the third week of January on a strong note, appreciating to approximately 1,418 per dollar in the official market. The move has been attributed to increased liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and a drop in speculative demand. Analysts say the Central Bank’s efforts to clear outstanding obligations have restored some confidence among corporate buyers.

    In the parallel market, the currency also showed resilience, trading between 1,470 and 1,485 per dollar. Market watchers point out that the gap between official and street rates is narrowing—an objective of current monetary policy. Bureau De Change operators say typical New Year volatility has been tempered by a steady flow of diaspora remittances and improved oversight.

    The Guardian also reported that rate convergence is a positive signal for international investors. ThisDay quoted a financial analyst saying that improved transparency is contributing to market stability. The market remains optimistic that the Naira can hold its trajectory through the first quarter.

    Echotitbits take: Stability is the keyword. While 1,400+ remains a high level, reduced daily swings help businesses plan. The true stress-test will be sustaining liquidity without undue pressure on external reserves.

    Source: Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-rand-firmer-ahead-local-inflation-data-2026-01-21/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Reuters 2026-01-23

  • Naira Maintains Stability as CBN Projects Positive 2026 Outlook

    Naira Maintains Stability as CBN Projects Positive 2026 Outlook

    Naira Maintains Stability as CBN Projects Positive 2026 Outlook

    The naira traded within a narrow band mid-week as CBN interventions and a more optimistic 2026 forecast supported FX market stability.

    Further reporting across multiple outlets indicates the development is drawing heightened attention, with stakeholders watching for next steps from relevant authorities and institutions.

    Echotitbits take: Stability is the goal, but the true test will be the CBN’s ability to maintain these levels without burning through foreign reserves. Keep an eye on the February inflation data to see if the currency stability translates to lower consumer prices.

    Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/business-services/cbn-survey-projects-steady-naira-improved-economic-activities-in-2026/ (2026-01-21)

    Photo credit: The Guardian

    2026-01-21 15:00:00

  • Naira Opens 2026 With Strong Gains as Reform Confidence Grows

    Naira Opens 2026 With Strong Gains as Reform Confidence Grows

    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

  • CBN flags 2026 growth at 4.49%, expects inflation slide to 12.94%

    CBN flags 2026 growth at 4.49%, expects inflation slide to 12.94%

    2025-12-31 09:00:00

    According to The Nation, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s latest macro outlook projects real GDP growth of about 4.49% in 2026, while average inflation is expected to ease to roughly 12.94% as reforms, forex stability and improved output begin to bite.

    The outlook points to a mix of stronger non‑oil activity and a steadier external position, with the apex bank signalling that structural reforms and better macro coordination could support a more durable recovery.

    Markets will watch whether the assumptions—especially oil output and FX conditions—hold into Q1 2026, and how the forecast shapes monetary-policy expectations.

    Reuters also reported that the CBN “forecasts 4.49% economic growth” and sees inflation “easing to an average 12.94% in 2026,” while BusinessDay similarly wrote that Nigeria’s economy is “projected to expand by 4.49 percent in 2026.”

    Echotitbits take: The headline numbers look optimistic versus Nigeria’s recent inflation experience. The real test is whether disinflation is driven by supply (food, logistics, energy) and FX stability—not just base effects. Watch Q1 inflation prints and CBN messaging on rates/liquidity.

    Source: Guardian — December 31, 2025 (https://guardian.ng/business-services/cbn-projects-4-49-growth-lower-inflation-in-2026-outlook/)

    Guardian December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: Guardian

  • FX reserves climb by $4.39bn in 12 months, CBN data shows

    FX reserves climb by $4.39bn in 12 months, CBN data shows

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Figures published by Punch indicate Nigeria’s external reserves rose by $4.39bn between December 23, 2024 and December 23, 2025, reaching about $45.24bn over the period, based on data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The rise adds to a late-2025 picture of stronger buffers, with other market trackers also placing Nigeria’s gross reserves above $45bn in December and describing it as a multi-year high.

    Beyond the headline number, the key question for businesses and households is whether the reserve build-up translates to steadier FX supply and narrower spreads across official and parallel channels.

    MoneyCentral reports that “Gross dollar reserves stood at $45.04 billion as at December 4, 2025,” citing CBN data, while TELL notes reserves “hit $45bn” in early December 2025.

    Echotitbits take: Reserves are a confidence barometer—but they can rise and still feel “tight” if FX demand stays hot. Watch whether the trend holds into Q1 2026 and whether gaps between rates meaningfully narrow.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fx-reserves-add-4-39bn-in-one-year/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • CBN Strips Legacy BDCs That Failed New Licence Test

    The CBN has confirmed that all legacy BDC operators that failed to meet new capital and governance requirements by 30 November 2025 have lost their licences. Only 82 BDCs have been relicensed under the tightened regime.

    PUNCH

    11 Dec 2025