The Nigerian currency, the naira, has continued its appreciation against the US dollar across both official and black markets.
This trend has been observed over the past few days, reflecting a positive shift in the value of the naira.
Official Market
At the official market, the naira strengthened to ₦1,495.91 per dollar on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, compared to ₦1,497.11 per dollar on Monday. This represents a marginal gain of ₦1.2 against the dollar.
Black Market
In the parallel (black) market, the naira appreciated to ₦1,485 per dollar on Tuesday from ₦1,500 per dollar on Monday. This means the naira gained ₦15 against the dollar in just one day.
Factors Contributing to Appreciation
The continuous appreciation of the naira can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased Dollar Supply: Improved dollar supply in the market has contributed to the strengthening of the naira. Currency traders have reported easier access to dollars from banks and Bureau de Change operators.
- Economic Policies: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented policies aimed at boosting transparency and efficiency in the foreign exchange market. The introduction of the Electronic Matching System (EFEMS) has played a significant role in enhancing the naira’s performance.
- Market Dynamics: The dynamics of supply and demand for the dollar have influenced the local currency’s performance across various exchange segments. Analysts expect the naira to trade within a relatively stable range, provided there are no significant market distortions.
Broader Implications
The appreciation of the naira against the dollar is a positive development for the Nigerian economy. It helps to reduce the cost of imports, stabilize inflation, and improve investor confidence.
However, continuous efforts are needed to sustain this trend and address underlying economic challenges.
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