The naira showed cautious stability against the US dollar on Thursday, December 18, 2025, as both the official and parallel markets reacted to sustained year-end foreign exchange demand.
At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, the naira opened at about ₦1,453.25 to the dollar, improving slightly from the previous day’s close of ₦1,458.02.
During early trading, rates fluctuated between a high of ₦1,460.75 and a low of ₦1,453.07.
Market analysts attributed the mild movements to importers and businesses settling final payments before the end of the year, alongside continued interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria to boost dollar liquidity.
In the parallel market, the naira traded weaker, with Bureau De Change operators quoting rates between ₦1,720 and ₦1,735 per dollar across major cities.
The wide gap between official and black-market rates remains a concern, driven by strong demand for travel allowances and holiday imports.
Experts expect the official rate to remain within ₦1,450–₦1,465 in the near term.
