- Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today, May 18, 2026 (Black Market and CBN Rates)
- Official CBN rate remains between ₦1,367 and ₦1,372
- Forex gap shows continued pressure on Nigeria’s currency
The Nigerian naira opened the new trading week under continued pressure against the United States dollar, with both the parallel market and official windows reflecting sustained volatility driven by strong demand for foreign exchange and limited supply.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that at the black market, commonly referred to as the Aboki FX market, the dollar is trading at an average selling rate of ₦1,395 and a buying rate of ₦1,385 per dollar. This represents a slight increase compared to previous sessions, indicating ongoing pressure in the informal forex market where most retail transactions take place.
In the official market, data from trading platforms and financial trackers place the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rate around ₦1,367 to ₦1,372 per dollar, showing a relatively tighter but still unstable band compared to the parallel market.
This widening gap between official and parallel market rates continues to highlight structural imbalances in Nigeria’s foreign exchange system, driven by import demand, inflationary pressure, and limited dollar liquidity.
Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Table (May 18, 2026)
Black Market (Parallel Market)
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Buying Rate | ₦1,385 |
| Selling Rate | ₦1,395 |
Official Market (CBN Range)
| Category | Rate |
|---|---|
| Lowest Rate | ₦1,367 |
| Highest Rate | ₦1,372 |
The naira’s performance in recent days shows a pattern of mild depreciation, with fluctuations largely influenced by demand from importers, fuel-related forex needs, and diaspora remittances. Analysts note that while the official market remains relatively controlled, the parallel market continues to reflect real-time demand pressures.
Economic observers also point out that sustained forex interventions and improved export earnings will be critical to stabilising the currency in the coming weeks.
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