On Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Nigerian naira showed minimal fluctuation against the U.S. dollar across both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets. Financial participants remained attentive to shifts in liquidity and the ongoing demand for hard currency.
Official records from the Central Bank of Nigeria via the NFEM platform pegged the dollar at ₦1,367, with the bank’s own benchmark rate holding at ₦1,366.73. This volume-weighted average functions as the baseline for official daily transactions.
Simultaneously, the parallel market in Lagos saw dealers setting buying rates at ₦1,410 and selling rates at ₦1,425. This creates a gap of ₦58 compared to the official rate, signaling sustained pressure for foreign currency beyond standard banking channels.
Market observers noted that the naira has experienced greater steadiness recently than the extreme turbulence observed in 2024 and early 2025. Throughout late July and early August, the official rate has consistently performed within a ₦1,360 to ₦1,385 band.
While businesses and citizens rely on the official rate for bank-authorized processes, the parallel market continues to serve cash-based transactions. Looking forward, experts anticipate the currency will stay within this established range, contingent on oil income, portfolio inflows, and the Central Bank’s continued liquidity management strategies.
