SOJWORLDNEWS | Nigeria Desk — The Naira opened Thursday, August 13, 2026, with fresh movement across major currency pairs. Meanwhile, the parallel market, commonly called the black market, continued to trade at a premium above official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rates. Below, therefore, we break down today’s figures for the Dollar, Pound, Euro, and Canadian Dollar.
First, the Dollar led the day’s activity. It gained ground against the Naira on the black market. Meanwhile, the Pound and Euro both eased slightly from previous levels. Nevertheless, the gap between official and street rates remains wide. As a result, that gap continues to shape decisions for travelers, importers, and remittance senders alike.
| Currency | Black Market Buy (₦) | Black Market Sell (₦) | CBN Official Rate (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Dollar (USD) | 1,415 | 1,428 | 1,364.90 |
| British Pound (GBP) | 1,882 | 1,912 | 1,842.61 |
| Euro (EUR) | 1,558 | 1,610 | 1,575.50 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 996 | 1,004 | 990.00 |
As the table shows, the Dollar continues to command the highest black market premium relative to its official rate. Specifically, Bureau de Change operators in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano quoted the Dollar near ₦1,428 for sale. Indeed, that figure marks a notable jump from earlier in the week. Consequently, traders attribute the move to renewed demand from importers and travelers.
On the other hand, the Pound told a different story. It slipped modestly on the black market compared to recent sessions. Even so, it remains the most expensive major currency on this list. After all, school fees, medical trips, and UK-bound remittances continue to drive steady demand for Sterling.
Similarly, the Euro eased slightly today. Still, it trades well above its CBN benchmark. Meanwhile, the Canadian Dollar held relatively stable. In fact, it remains the most affordable of the four currencies tracked here.
Consequently, the spread between official and parallel rates remains a persistent concern for policymakers. To that end, the CBN has repeatedly pushed to narrow this gap through liquidity interventions. Nevertheless, black market rates continue to outpace the official window across every currency listed today.
Overall, rates vary by location and dealer, so figures may differ slightly between Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Accordingly, SOJWORLDNEWS sourced today’s figures from Aboki Forex and NairaToday, both of which track rates hourly. As always, therefore, we advise readers to confirm current rates directly with a licensed Bureau de Change before any transaction.
Ultimately, SOJWORLDNEWS will continue tracking daily currency movements and will provide updated figures tomorrow.
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