The Nigerian naira opened trading on Christmas Eve with mild movements against the United States dollar across both the official and parallel markets, showing signs of stability despite the usual festive pressure on foreign exchange.
As of the morning of December 24, 2025, figures from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and bureau de change operators indicate that the local currency remains within a narrow trading band, even as demand rises for travel, shopping, and holiday-related expenses.
Official Market Performance
At the official NFEM window, the naira traded at an average rate of about ₦1,453.70 to the dollar. Early transactions briefly touched a high of ₦1,460.75 before easing lower as liquidity improved during the session. This marks a slight appreciation from Tuesday’s closing rate of ₦1,461.50.
Market observers say the Central Bank of Nigeria continues to keep a close watch on trading activities, with the mean exchange rate hovering around the ₦1,454 level. Despite increased seasonal demand, the official market has remained relatively calm, supported by steady interventions and improved inflows, including diaspora remittances.
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Dollar to Naira exchange rate today, December 23, 2025
Parallel Market Trends
In the parallel, or black market, the dollar continues to trade at a premium. Reports from Lagos and Abuja show buying rates ranging between ₦1,465 and ₦1,475, while selling rates are quoted between ₦1,480 and ₦1,490 per dollar.
Although the informal market remains busier due to quick cash needs during the holidays, the gap between official and parallel rates has stayed relatively tight. Analysts link this to ongoing efforts by financial authorities to encourage rate convergence and improve transparency in the foreign exchange system.
Outlook
The naira’s performance in the final week of 2025 reflects a calmer market compared to the sharp swings seen in previous years. Analysts believe the current stability is being driven by better supply-demand balance and a more predictable pricing structure in the official market.
Barring any major global economic shocks, experts expect the naira to continue trading within the ₦1,450–₦1,500 range as the year comes to an end.
