The naira remained relatively stable against the United States dollar on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as traders continued to monitor foreign exchange liquidity and demand in both the official and parallel markets.
The currency recorded limited movement at the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), while the parallel market continued to trade at a higher level.
Naira-Dollar Exchange Rate Today
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s NFEM platform showed the official exchange rate at about ₦1,367 per dollar on Thursday.
The CBN benchmark rate was quoted at approximately ₦1,366.73/$1.
The apex bank describes the NFEM rate as a volume-weighted average of transactions carried out in the official foreign exchange market. It serves as the benchmark rate for the day.
| Market | Dollar Buying Rate | Dollar Selling Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Official NFEM | About ₦1,367 | About ₦1,367 |
| Parallel Market | ₦1,410 | ₦1,425 |
The rates can change during the day depending on market activity, dollar supply and demand.
Parallel Market Rate
Currency dealers in major Lagos trading locations quoted the dollar at about ₦1,410 for buying and ₦1,425 for selling on Thursday morning.
This means the dollar continued to trade above the official rate in the parallel market.
The difference between the official and parallel market rates was around ₦58 per dollar based on the quoted figures.
Why the Naira Has Remained Stable
Market conditions have been relatively calm in recent weeks compared with the sharp volatility experienced during late 2024 and early 2025.
Historical NFEM data also showed that the official exchange rate had generally remained within the ₦1,360 to ₦1,385 range through much of July and early August 2026.
Analysts and traders continue to watch developments in foreign exchange liquidity and demand as the Central Bank works to improve activity in the official market.
What the Exchange Rate Means for Nigerians
The official NFEM rate is used for eligible foreign exchange transactions processed through banks and authorised dealers.
The parallel market rate reflects transactions carried out outside the formal foreign exchange system and may vary depending on location, demand and available dollar supply.
People and businesses making international payments should therefore confirm the applicable rate with their bank or authorised foreign exchange provider before completing a transaction.
Outlook for the Naira
Traders expect the naira to remain within a relatively narrow range in the short term, although changes in foreign exchange supply and demand could affect the market.
Investors are also watching foreign portfolio inflows, oil receipts and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s measures aimed at improving liquidity in the official foreign exchange market.
For Thursday, August 13, 2026, the official NFEM rate remained around the ₦1,367/$ level, while the parallel market continued to quote the dollar at a higher rate.
