Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, January 18th, 2026- Ekohotblog

Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, January 18th, 2026
Black market rate hits ₦1500 per dollar
Official CBN rate trades within narrow band

The exchange rate between the United States dollar and the Nigerian naira remained under pressure on Saturday, January 18, 2026, reflecting persistent demand for foreign exchange amid tight supply conditions in the market.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Checks across major parallel market hubs showed that the naira continued to trade weaker against the dollar, as traders attributed the movement to strong demand from importers, travellers, and businesses sourcing forex outside official channels. Market operators said uncertainty around dollar inflows and cautious sentiment among sellers also contributed to the current levels.

At the official end of the market, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria indicated a relatively narrower trading band, with the naira maintaining a more stable position compared to the black market. However, the gap between the official and parallel market rates remains significant, highlighting ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s foreign exchange framework.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rates Today

Market	Buying Rate	Selling Rate
Black Market	₦1485	₦1500
CBN Official Rate	₦1416	₦1420

Currency dealers in Lagos and Abuja said the black market rate continues to respond quickly to demand pressures, unlike the official window where rates are largely influenced by CBN interventions and regulated transactions. Analysts note that the wide disparity between both markets sustains speculative activities and encourages businesses to rely more on the parallel market for immediate forex needs.

Economic watchers believe the naira’s performance in the coming days will depend largely on foreign inflows, crude oil earnings, and the Central Bank’s ability to improve dollar liquidity. Until then, the dollar is expected to remain strong against the naira, especially in the black market segment.