The Nigerian Naira commenced the final trading week of 2025 on a positive note, recording appreciable gains against major global currencies, including the United States Dollar. This bullish performance was observed across both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets as activities resumed following the Christmas holiday break.
Official Market Sees Steady Gains
Fresh data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) showed a firming of the local currency. On Monday, December 29, 2025, the Naira closed trading at N1,442.51 to one US Dollar. This represented a gain of 87 kobo, or 0.06%, from the previous session's rate of N1,443.38/$1 recorded on Wednesday, December 24.
The strengthening trend was not limited to the Greenback. Against the British Pound Sterling, the Naira appreciated by N3.91 to close at N1,945.66/£1, compared to the preceding rate of N1,949.57. Similarly, it gained N4.25 against the Euro, finishing at N1,697.40/€1 versus the previous N1,701.65.
Parallel Market and Bank Counters Follow Suit
The positive momentum extended to the unofficial parallel market, often referred to as the black market. Currency traders confirmed to Legit.ng that the Dollar was sold at N1,470/$1 on Monday, an improvement from the N1,480/$1 rate prevalent the previous week.
At the foreign exchange counter of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), the Naira also strengthened, trading at N1,457/$1. This marked an N8 gain from the earlier rate of N1,465 per US Dollar.
Minister Edun Reassures on Stability and Confidence
The Naira's firm performance was bolstered by reassurances from Nigeria's Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. In a statement, the Minister sought to calm investors and international partners, emphasizing that Nigeria's economy remains stable and resilient.
This reassurance came against the backdrop of a joint security operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. Minister Edun clarified that Nigeria is "not at war with itself, nor with any nation," but is decisively confronting terrorism with trusted allies. He highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and the CBN designed to maintain forex stability and bolster confidence in the Naira.
Market analysts attribute the current stability to a combination of policy measures and strategic interventions. Notably, the Central Bank of Nigeria injected $150 million into the forex market last week to ease pressure on the local currency. This action, coupled with improving market sentiment, has created expectations for near-term exchange rate stability to continue.
Snapshot of CBN Official Exchange Rates (as of December 29, 2025):
- US Dollar: N1,442.51
- Pounds Sterling: N1,945.66
- Euro: N1,697.40
- Yuan/Renminbi: N205.87
- Swiss Franc: N1,826.43
- Yen: N9.23
- South African Rand: N86.59
- CFA: N2.59
The market will be closely watched in the coming days as Nigeria approaches the New Year, with stakeholders anticipating that the current policy direction will sustain the Naira's positive trajectory.
