The Nigerian Naira closed the trading week under sustained pressure against the United States Dollar in the informal foreign exchange market as festive-season demand remained strong.
As of Friday, December 19th 2025, the Dollar to Naira Black Market exchange rate stood at ₦1,462 per dollar for buying and ₦1,472 per dollar for selling, according to rates obtained from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and other major FX trading centres.
This period represents one of the busiest weeks of the year for foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria. Travel-related spending, final import settlements, tuition payments, and end-of-year business obligations have all combined to keep demand elevated.
Despite this, market participants say liquidity remains available, largely supported by increasing diaspora remittance inflows.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Overview
| Date | Market Type | Buying Rate (₦) | Selling Rate (₦) | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Dec 19, 2025 | Black Market | 1,462 | 1,472 | +₦2 ▲ |
| Thu, Dec 18, 2025 | Black Market | 1,460 | 1,470 | — |
| Official Rate (CBN) | — | — | — | See CBN |
Rates are compiled from daily market checks and cross-verified using updates published by Naijaonpoint.
How Much Is Dollar to Naira Today in Black Market
As of today, the Dollar to Naira Black Market exchange rate is trading within the ₦1,462 – ₦1,472 range. Most retail and wholesale transactions are settling near the upper end of this band as buyers rush to secure dollars ahead of Christmas travel and last-minute overseas payments.
BDC operators note that while demand remains high, the market has not experienced panic buying. The steady flow of remittances from Nigerians abroad is helping to keep supply channels open, preventing sharper price spikes.
For official and regulated exchange-rate benchmarks, the Central Bank of Nigeria remains the reference authority:
Central Bank of Nigeria
What Is Driving the Exchange Rate Today
Several seasonal and structural factors are shaping today’s pricing dynamics in the Black Market:
🔹 Peak Holiday Travel Spending
International travel demand is at its highest, with individuals and families sourcing foreign currency for flights, accommodation, and overseas expenses.
🔹 Final Import Payments
Many businesses are settling outstanding import invoices before year-end, increasing spot-market dollar demand.
🔹 Tuition and Medical Obligations Abroad
Parents and guardians are sourcing FX for January tuition fees and ongoing medical treatments overseas.
🔹 Rising Diaspora Remittances
Remittance inflows from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe are increasing, offering partial relief to supply pressure.
🔹 Controlled Speculative Activity
Unlike earlier periods of volatility, speculative hoarding remains limited, allowing for better circulation of available dollars.
These factors explain why the Naira has adjusted moderately rather than experiencing a sharp depreciation.
Economic Impact on Businesses and Households
The current Black Market exchange rate carries mixed implications for Nigeria’s economy:
Positive Indicators
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Dollar availability remains steady despite heavy seasonal demand
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Businesses can plan year-end pricing within a known FX range
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Remittance inflows are cushioning extreme volatility
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Market confidence is stronger than earlier in the year
Challenges Persist
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Import costs remain elevated and may influence post-holiday inflation
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SMEs reliant on foreign inputs face tighter margins
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Households making late FX purchases incur higher costs
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Continued reliance on the parallel market highlights limited access to official FX channels
Economists warn that sustained pressure could affect consumer prices in early 2026 if stability weakens.
Market Outlook
Analysts expect the Naira to remain under moderate pressure through the Christmas period, with demand likely peaking between December 19th and 23rd. However, stronger remittance inflows toward the final week of the year could provide temporary relief.
Projected short-term trading range: ₦1,460 – ₦1,485 per dollar
Key variables to monitor include:
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Volume of travel-related FX demand
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Speed of diaspora remittance inflows
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Oil price performance above $85 per barrel
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Any liquidity measures from the CBN
Conclusion
The Dollar to Naira Black Market exchange rate today, Friday, December 19th 2025, stands at:
-
₦1,462 per dollar for buying
-
₦1,472 per dollar for selling
For accurate daily FX updates and trusted market analysis, Nigerians continue to rely on:
Naijaonpoint
Central Bank of Nigeria
As the festive season reaches its peak, the balance between strong holiday demand and rising remittance inflows will remain the key determinant of Naira performance in the Black Market.