Aboki Naira to Dollar Black Market Exchange Rate Today, 4th January 2026

As Nigeria kicks off the first weekend of 2026, the parallel market (commonly referred to as the black market) exchange rate for the US dollar against the Nigerian naira remains steady with a slight premium, according to updates from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and Aboki forex trackers.

On Sunday, 4th January 2026, black market dealers in major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, are quoting the dollar at approximately ₦1,490 per $1 for selling, with buying rates around ₦1,480–₦1,485. This represents little change from the ₦1,490 selling rate observed on 3rd January, following a minor uptick from ₦1,480 earlier in the week.

The relative stability in the parallel market comes amid low trading volume over the weekend, though traders anticipate potential fluctuations as business activities resume fully on Monday. Demand for dollars often rises in early January due to payments for school fees, travel, and imports.

In comparison, the official rate at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is trading lower, around ₦1,430–₦1,446 per $1, reflecting ongoing efforts to narrow the gap between official and parallel rates through improved forex inflows and policy reforms implemented in late 2025.

Analysts note that the naira’s performance entering 2026 builds on gains from the previous year, supported by higher foreign reserves (reported at over $45 billion by end-2025) and stable oil revenues. However, the persistent premium in the black market highlights continued demand for physical cash dollars outside formal channels.

Traders recommend checking with licensed BDC operators for the most accurate real-time rates, as quotes can vary by location and transaction size. Rates are indicative and subject to rapid change.