Naira Exchange Rate Today 27 Aug — The naira is holding fairly steady today. The gap between the official rate and the black market rate remains wide, though. This gap keeps shaping how Nigerians plan travel, school fees, and online payments.
Below, we break down today’s numbers. We also explain why the two markets keep drifting apart.
Official CBN Rate Today
At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the dollar traded close to ₦1,347 this week. In fact, Wednesday’s session closed near ₦1,346.34 to ₦1,346.90 per dollar. This is the benchmark rate. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) calculates it from actual market transactions.
However, most everyday Nigerians cannot access dollars at this rate. Banks limit forex allocations. As a result, many people turn to the parallel market instead.
Black Market (Aboki) Rate Today
On the parallel market, the dollar is trading close to ₦1,400 to ₦1,410 today. Meanwhile, the pound and the euro also moved slightly against the naira this week. Traders link the shift to import demand and limited access to formal FX channels.
Remember, black market rates are not fixed. They can change more than once a day. They also vary by city, dealer, and transaction size. So, always treat these figures as a guide, not a guarantee.
Currency Table: Official vs Black Market Rates
| Currency | Official CBN Rate | Black Market Buy | Black Market Sell |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | 1,346.90 | 1,400 | 1,410 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 1,837.54 | 1,860 | 1,900 |
| Euro (EUR) | 1,571.52 | 1,560 | 1,605 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 977.06 | 1,020 | 1,080 |
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | 200.16 | 200 | 201 |
| Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) | 122.25 | 123 | 124 |
| South African Rand (ZAR) | 84.12 | 84 | 90 |
| Kenyan Shilling (KES) | — | 11 | 12 |
Sources: Central Bank of Nigeria NAFEM data, and parallel market trackers including Monierate, NgnRates and AbokiFx, checked 24–27 August 2026. The CBN does not publish a daily official rate for the Kenyan shilling, so that cell is marked “—”.
Why the Naira Gap Keeps Widening
Three factors drive the spread between the two markets. First, import-driven dollar demand keeps rising. Second, many Nigerians still struggle to access forex through banks. Third, some people simply prefer the speed of a street dealer over bank paperwork.
Because of this, the parallel market often reacts faster to news than the official window does. So, expect rates to shift again before the week ends.
What to Watch This Week
Analysts expect the CBN to keep managing dollar supply carefully. Meanwhile, diaspora remittances and crude oil earnings will likely keep the official rate fairly stable. Still, the black market may stay volatile, especially around school fee season and festive travel periods.
We will update this page as new rates come in. Check back tomorrow for the latest figures.
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