
Key points:
Official CBN (NFEM) Rate: ₦1,431.47 / USD
Black-Market Rate: ₦1,495 - ₦1,510 / USD (range)
Drivers: Balanced demand from school fees and seasonal business imports; Consistent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) market interventions; Improved foreign portfolio inflows.
Top Tools: CBN Forex Portal, Aboki Fx
The Naira held a steady position in early Tuesday trading, showing marginal appreciation at the official window compared to last week's levels. The currency's stability is attributed to balanced seasonal demand and ongoing CBN efforts, though a significant premium persists in the parallel market.
FAQ
- What's the gap between CBN & black-market rates? The premium remains wide, ranging from approximately ₦63.53 to ₦78.53. This significant spread continues to highlight the disparity between the regulated official market and the high-demand pressures in the unofficial segment.
- Will the naira strengthen further? Sustained stability in the official window is possible with continued CBN support and controlled demand. However, a major convergence with the parallel market rate is unlikely in the near term unless there is a substantial increase in dollar supply or a structural reduction in demand within the informal market.
- How do oil prices affect rates? Stable oil revenue is fundamental for maintaining the foreign reserves that back the CBN's intervention capabilities. The current official market stability can be seen as a benefit of this buffer, allowing for managed support. However, the wide parallel market gap indicates that these interventions are not yet fully addressing the underlying dollar scarcity for a significant portion of the economy