The Nigerian Naira maintained a cautious but relatively stable stance against the United States Dollar during early trading hours on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as market participants navigated the final sessions of the week.
At the official window, data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) showed that the Naira recorded a slight appreciation. The local currency traded at ₦1,379.50 per Dollar, improving marginally from an opening low of ₦1,378.98.
Early trading activity remained moderate, with the intraday high reaching ₦1,380.00 before settling around the current level. Analysts attribute the relative stability at the official market to improved dollar supply to commercial banks and consistent regulatory oversight.
Market observers say this performance reflects ongoing efforts to stabilize the forex market amid fluctuating demand and supply dynamics.
However, in the parallel market, the Naira faced slightly stronger pressure. Bureau De Change operators across major commercial hubs such as Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt quoted the Dollar between ₦1,415 and ₦1,430.
The premium in the black market continues to be driven largely by retail demand and small-scale importers who rely on informal channels to access foreign exchange quickly.
Despite the disparity between both markets, the spread has remained within a predictable range, offering some level of clarity for businesses planning transactions.
Looking ahead, financial stakeholders are closely monitoring the close of trading, as the Naira’s performance is expected to shape market sentiment heading into the weekend. Attention remains on whether the current liquidity level can sustain the ₦1,379 support mark at the official window.
Overall, while the official market shows signs of resilience, persistent demand for the Dollar in the broader economy continues to exert pressure, particularly within the parallel segment.
