Aboki Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 17th January 2026

The Nigerian Naira continues to trade with relative stability in the parallel market (commonly referred to as the Aboki or black market) amid ongoing forex supply dynamics and early-year economic activities.

According to aggregated updates from Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and popular trackers across major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, the US Dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN) black market exchange rate today stands at approximately ₦1,494 per dollar for selling.

This rate reflects the price at which informal dealers and street vendors (Aboki) are willing to sell dollars on demand. Buying rates (when selling dollars to dealers) are typically slightly lower, often in the range of ₦1,480–₦1,490, though spreads can vary based on location, transaction volume, and individual dealer negotiations.

Recent trends show the parallel market holding steady in the ₦1,485–₦1,505 band over the past week, with minor fluctuations driven by post-holiday demand from importers, travelers, and small businesses restocking for Q1 activities. The stability follows a period of gradual improvement in forex liquidity, supported by sustained external reserves (reported above $45 billion in late 2025) and consistent oil revenue inflows.

For comparison, the official exchange rate in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), hovers around ₦1,420–₦1,440 per dollar, according to recent data, maintaining a narrower gap between the official and parallel rates than in previous years. This reduced arbitrage opportunity stems from CBN interventions aimed at unifying the market and boosting transparency.

Market observers note that while the Naira has shown resilience entering 2026, the parallel market remains sensitive to sudden demand spikes, global oil price movements, and remittance flows. Traders advise caution and recommend verifying rates directly with reputable local BDC operators, as quotes can shift intraday.

For real-time updates, popular platforms like Aboki Forex trackers, TheCityCeleb, and other aggregator sites provide daily snapshots from key cities. Rates are highly volatile and for informational purposes only—always confirm with trusted sources before any transaction.