The Nigerian Naira continued to experience fluctuations against the United States Dollar as trading opened on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market and various segments of the parallel market indicated a slight narrowing of the gap between official and unofficial exchange rates.

At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, the Naira opened trading at approximately N1,455.98 to one dollar.

This followed a period of relative volatility earlier in the week, during which the local currency recorded highs of about N1,458 before showing signs of modest stabilisation as the weekend approached.

Market turnover was reported to be steady, as the Central Bank of Nigeria sustained its interventions aimed at managing liquidity and curbing excessive speculation within the official trading window.

In the unofficial or parallel market, the exchange rate continued to trade at a premium to the official rate.

Early morning checks from Bureau De Change operators in Lagos and Abuja showed that the dollar was being exchanged between N1,720 and N1,745, depending on transaction volume and location.

Despite the persistent spread between the official and parallel markets, traders noted that demand linked to holiday-related imports has begun to ease.

This development, according to market participants, has provided some relief for the local currency.

Several factors were identified as influencing the Naira’s performance during the trading session.

These include ongoing liquidity injections by the Central Bank of Nigeria to meet foreign exchange needs of legitimate end-users.

Fluctuations in global crude oil prices, which directly impact Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and external reserves, were also cited as a key factor.

Additionally, seasonal demand associated with increased travel and retail activities towards the end of the year continues to exert pressure on the currency.

Market analysts suggested that the Naira is likely to remain within the current trading range for the rest of the year.

They noted that a major shift in monetary policy or a sharp movement in global oil prices would be required to significantly alter the current exchange rate dynamics.