The Naira appreciated marginally against the U.S. dollar, with the official exchange rate rising to N1,530.62/$1 on Thursday, March 20, 2025, up from N1,530.52/$1 the previous day, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Despite this slight gain, the local currency remains under pressure in the parallel market.
In the black market, the exchange rate remains significantly higher, trading around N1,578/$1, reflecting persistent demand despite the CBN’s efforts to unify all forex segments. The apex bank had previously announced that all FX windows were merged into the Investors & Exporters (I&E) window to enhance transparency and efficiency.
This policy shift effectively allows the Naira to float more freely, meaning its value is now largely determined by market forces. The CBN has reiterated its commitment to managing the new system while ensuring smoother forex transactions through banks and authorized dealers.