Aboki Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 19th October 2025

The Nigerian Naira showed signs of resilience in the parallel market today, trading at approximately ₦1,505 per US Dollar, according to informal currency traders known locally as “Aboki” operators.

This marks a marginal uptick from Friday’s rate of ₦1,502, reflecting cautious optimism among market participants despite ongoing inflationary strains and global uncertainties.

Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in key hubs like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano reported buying rates hovering around ₦1,485 to ₦1,490, with selling prices stabilizing at ₦1,505.

The slight appreciation comes after a week of volatility, where the Naira dipped to as low as ₦1,500 earlier in the month, driven by reduced foreign inflows and heightened demand for dollars ahead of the holiday season.

Economists attribute the current steadiness to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent interventions, including tighter monetary policies and efforts to clear forex backlogs.

However, the black market rate remains significantly higher than the official CBN window, which stood at about ₦1,450 per dollar as of last close.

“The gap underscores persistent liquidity issues in the formal sector,” noted Dr. Aisha Bello, a forex analyst at Lagos-based Zenith Capital. “While Aboki rates offer quicker access for small traders and importers, they expose users to risks like counterfeiting and regulatory crackdowns.”

The parallel market, often a barometer for grassroots economic sentiment, has been under scrutiny as Nigeria grapples with a projected 2025 inflation rate exceeding 25%.

Rising fuel costs and food prices continue to erode purchasing power, pushing more Nigerians toward informal exchanges.

On a positive note, remittances from the diaspora—estimated at over $20 billion annually—have provided some buffer, though seasonal outflows for education and travel are tempering gains.

For comparison, the Euro traded at ₦1,620 (selling) and the British Pound at ₦1,950 today, showing similar flat trends. Traders advise caution, recommending verified BDCs and monitoring official channels for updates.

As the federal government pushes reforms under the Tinubu administration, including oil sector liberalization, market watchers eye next week’s CBN auction for clues on potential shifts.

For now, the Naira’s black market footing offers a fragile truce in an otherwise turbulent forex landscape.

Rates are indicative and subject to real-time fluctuations. Source: Aggregated from Aboki networks and BDC reports.