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Naira Gains Traction To N1,337 Against The Dollar As Global Peace Talks Continue
Anthony Ufoh
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday stated that the Naira had appreciated by N1,337 per US dollar as at Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
According to the apex bank announced this via its website.
The latest figures show the naira posting its strongest official closing rate since May 29, 2024, when it settled at N1,329.65 per dollar.
The appreciation comes amid improved dollar liquidity, parallel market gains, and shifting global geopolitical and monetary policy signals that continue to shape emerging market currencies.
The naira strengthened in both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets on Tuesday, reflecting improved supply conditions and calmer investor sentiment. Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria confirms the currency closed at N1,337 per dollar, extending its gradual recovery trend.
The official market rate improved from N1,344 per dollar on Monday to N1,337 per dollar on Tuesday.
This marks the strongest official close since May 29, 2024, when the currency traded at N1,329.65 per dollar.
In the parallel market, the naira traded at N1,382.5 per dollar, compared to N1,393.35 per dollar a day earlier.
The data suggests renewed short-term stability in the FX market, supported by better dollar supply dynamics and speculative repositioning by traders.
Global market developments also influenced currency movements, as the U.S. dollar held steady amid geopolitical signals and monetary policy expectations. Investors are closely watching policy guidance from the Federal Reserve for clarity on potential interest rate cuts this year.
Such global shifts typically affect capital flows into emerging markets, influencing exchange rate performance in countries like Nigeria.
Earlier, at its 302nd MPC meeting in September 2025, the committee reduced the MPR by 50 basis points, lowering it from 27.5 per cent to 27 per cent.
The MPC also adjusted the asymmetric corridor around the MPR to +250/-250 basis points, narrowing it from the previous +500/-100 range.
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