Aboki Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 25th March 2026
The naira traded between N1,400 and N1,420 against the dollar in the Lagos parallel market on Wednesday, as the gap between black market and CBN rates holds steady.
The Nigerian naira continued to hold within a relatively narrow band against the United States dollar in the parallel market on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, with traders and Bureau de Change operators quoting rates that reflect the sustained pressure facing Africa’s most populous economy.
According to aggregated data from parallel market sources and forex tracking platforms, the black market selling rate for the dollar stood at approximately N1,415 to N1,420, while the buying rate hovered around N1,400 to N1,405, a spread consistent with the pattern observed across the preceding days of the week.
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On Monday, March 23rd, BDC sources reported that Lagos parallel market participants were purchasing the dollar at around N1,395 and selling at approximately N1,405. By Tuesday, March 24th, the parallel market sell rate had climbed to between N1,410 and N1,420, with an average of N1,415, while the buy rate averaged N1,400, according to trader data compiled from the Lagos market. Wednesday’s rates reflect a continuation of that upward drift, with sellers maintaining the upper end of the N1,415 to N1,420 range as the week winds toward the end of the month.
The exchange rate between the US dollar and the Nigerian naira remains a subject of intense and constant interest for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as for businesses and policymakers navigating the country’s import-dependent economy. The parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market or Aboki FX, continues to serve as the go-to channel for individuals and small enterprises that need immediate access to foreign currency outside the official banking system.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official rate stood at N1,388.38 per dollar as of Tuesday, March 24th, leaving a notable gap between the official and parallel rates. The difference, though narrower than it was in prior years, continues to incentivise arbitrage and reflects the residual demand pressures that the CBN’s managed float policy has not fully resolved. The British pound exchanged for approximately N1,890 on the black market, while the euro was trading at around N1,625 in the parallel segment of the market.
It is worth noting that black market rates are not uniform across the country, as the parallel market is unregulated and prices vary depending on location, transaction size, and the individual dealer. Traders in Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt may quote figures that differ from those reported in Lagos, which remains the primary reference point for national parallel market reporting. Individuals seeking to exchange currency are advised to compare rates from multiple sources before transacting.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has consistently maintained that it does not recognise the parallel market and has urged Nigerians with foreign exchange needs to approach licensed commercial banks and official BDC operators. Despite this, demand in the informal segment of the market persists, driven by the speed and accessibility that the parallel market offers compared to official channels. As Africa’s largest economy continues its post-devaluation adjustment, all eyes remain on whether the gap between the CBN rate and the street rate will narrow further in the weeks ahead.
Disclaimer: The exchange rates referenced in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Rates are subject to change at any time. Always verify current figures with a licensed Bureau de Change or your commercial bank before making any financial decisions.
