The Naira held steady in the parallel market today, February 19, 2026, with the black market exchange rate for one US dollar ranging between ₦1,355 and ₦1,370 depending on location and transaction specifics.
In major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, traders typically quoted buying dollars at around ₦1,355 and selling at ₦1,365 to ₦1,370, while some aggregators and BDC reports showed sell rates up to ₦1,400 with buys at ₦1,378.
This reflects minimal overnight movement from recent levels, as the parallel market continues to show narrowed gaps with official channels due to ongoing forex supply improvements and policy adjustments.
The official rate from the Central Bank of Nigeria via the NAFEM window opened around ₦1,346.40 per dollar, with recent closings near ₦1,338 to ₦1,340, keeping the premium in the informal sector at roughly ₦20 to ₦60 in most cases, though some spots saw wider variances.
The stability comes amid sustained inflows and efforts to curb arbitrage, though rates can shift quickly based on demand for travel, education payments, or other needs.
Individuals looking to exchange should check directly with trusted local Bureau de Change operators or real-time apps for the precise quote at the moment of transaction, as the black market remains unofficial and prone to intraday fluctuations.
What People Ask
What is the Aboki Naira to Dollar black market exchange rate today, February 19, 2026?
On February 19, 2026, the Aboki black market (parallel market) rate for 1 US Dollar to Naira typically ranges from ₦1,355 (buy) to ₦1,365–₦1,370 (sell), with some reports showing sell rates up to ₦1,400 and buy at ₦1,378 depending on location and source.
Where can I check the latest Aboki forex black market rates?
You can check real-time Aboki black market rates on platforms like abokiforex.app, ngnrates.com, or nairatoday.com, which aggregate user reports and BDC quotes from major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
What is the difference between the black market rate and the official CBN rate?
The black market (parallel or Aboki) rate is unregulated and driven by supply and demand in informal markets, often higher than the official rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the NAFEM window, which was around ₦1,338–₦1,351 recently.
Why is the black market rate higher than the official rate?
The black market rate is higher due to limited forex supply at official channels, high demand for dollars for travel, imports, education, and other needs, leading to a premium in the unregulated parallel market.
Is the Aboki rate the same across all cities in Nigeria?
No, the Aboki black market rate can vary slightly by location, BDC operator, transaction size, and time of day, though averages from major cities are usually similar, with minor differences of ₦10–₦50.
How often does the Aboki black market rate change?
The Aboki parallel market rate can fluctuate intraday based on forex supply, demand, economic news, CBN interventions, and market sentiment, sometimes changing multiple times within a day.
Can I trust the rates shown on Aboki Forex websites?
Aboki Forex sites provide aggregated data from user reports and BDCs, but rates are unofficial and can vary. Always verify with a trusted local Bureau de Change (BDC) operator before exchanging money, as they reflect average trends rather than guaranteed prices.
What factors influence the Aboki Naira to Dollar rate?
Key factors include dollar inflows from oil exports, remittances, foreign investment, CBN policies, inflation, economic stability, demand for imports, and global forex trends affecting the Naira.
Is it legal to exchange money at the black market rate in Nigeria?
Exchanging at parallel market rates through licensed BDCs is common and often tolerated, but large-scale or unregulated dealings may attract scrutiny. The CBN encourages using official channels, though many Nigerians use the parallel market for accessibility.
How can I get the best rate when buying dollars in the black market?
To get the best rate, compare quotes from multiple trusted BDC operators in your area, exchange during periods of high supply or low demand, avoid urgent transactions that force higher premiums, and check live updates on reliable trackers like Aboki Forex apps or sites.
What is Aboki Forex and is it the same as AbokiFX?
Aboki Forex refers to platforms tracking black market rates (like abokiforex.app), while AbokiFX was an earlier or different site; they are not always the same entity, and some are unaffiliated—always use current trusted sources for updates.
Why do people prefer the black market over official forex windows?
People prefer the black market for easier access to cash dollars without strict documentation, faster transactions, and availability when official supply is limited, despite the higher cost compared to CBN rates.
