Aboki Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 17th December 2025

As Nigerians gear up for the festive season, the Nigerian Naira has shown remarkable stability in the parallel market, commonly known as the “black market” or “Aboki” rate, on Wednesday, 17th December 2025.

Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano report that the US Dollar is trading steadily at a selling rate of ₦1,496 per USD. Buying rates are typically slightly lower, around ₦1,485–₦1,490, depending on location and volume.

This rate reflects little change from recent days, where the parallel market has hovered around ₦1,496 amid balanced demand from importers, travelers, and holiday-related transactions. Analysts attribute the Naira’s resilience to seasonal diaspora remittances boosting forex supply and ongoing Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) efforts to enhance liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

For comparison, the official CBN rate in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) remains significantly stronger, typically in the ₦1,440–₦1,450 range per USD. However, many Nigerians continue to rely on the parallel market for immediate access to dollars because of bureaucratic hurdles in official channels.

Experts caution that rates can fluctuate slightly throughout the day based on supply dynamics, global oil prices, and policy announcements. Traders recommend checking with trusted local BDC operators for real-time quotes and avoiding unregulated street exchanges to minimize risks.

The gap between official and black market rates has narrowed considerably compared to earlier peaks above ₦1,600 in 2025, signaling gradual progress in Nigeria’s forex reforms.

As the year draws to a close, market watchers will monitor year-end demand pressures closely.

Note: Black market rates are unofficial and can vary by location. Always transact safely.