Aboki Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 18th July 2026

Currency traders in Nigeria’s parallel market, popularly known as the Aboki rate, quoted the US dollar at ₦1,410 for buying and ₦1,422 for selling as of Saturday, July 18, 2026.

This level reflects a modest uptick from recent sessions, driven largely by sustained demand from importers, travellers, and businesses seeking foreign exchange outside formal channels.

Dealers across key cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano reported consistent spreads, with activity picking up amid seasonal pressures such as school fees, medical tourism, and restocking for businesses. Many participants noted that dollar availability on the street remained adequate but not abundant, keeping rates firm rather than volatile.

The parallel market premium over the official window stayed narrow, hovering around 2.8 to 3 percent, signalling some convergence between the two segments thanks to ongoing Central Bank interventions and improved remittance inflows.

At the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the naira traded near ₦1,382 per dollar according to the latest Central Bank of Nigeria reference rates. This stability in the formal window has helped ease some arbitrage opportunities, though street-level quotes continue to command a slight premium due to faster transaction times and flexibility for smaller deals.

Economists monitoring the market attribute the current resilience partly to higher oil revenues boosting reserves and steady diaspora remittances. However, they caution that any spike in import demand or shifts in global oil prices could quickly influence sentiment.

Travellers and small businesses are advised to compare quotes from reputable bureau de change operators, as rates can vary slightly by location and volume. Overall, the forex landscape today shows cautious optimism, with the naira maintaining a relatively balanced position against the greenback in both official and informal markets.