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Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today – August 22, 2025

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Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today – August 22, 2025

The value of the Naira continues to draw attention both at home and abroad, as Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis deepens. On Friday, August 22, 2025, the black market (parallel market) exchange rate for the United States dollar (USD) against the Nigerian naira (NGN) reached new highs, once again sparking debate about the future of the economy, inflation, and the government’s efforts to stabilize the currency.

According to traders in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, the dollar is being sold at around ₦1,645 to ₦1,655 per $1 in the black market, while the official rate from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remains far lower at approximately ₦1,420 per $1. This widening gap underscores the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s currency management despite several reform measures taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.


Why the Black Market Rate Matters

The black market, often referred to locally as “Aboki FX”, serves as the real-life benchmark for ordinary Nigerians and businesses who cannot access foreign currency through official CBN windows. From importers of food and electronics to students paying school fees abroad, many rely on the parallel market to meet their dollar demands.

The exchange rate affects:

  • Food Prices: Nigeria is heavily import-dependent for wheat, rice, and processed foods. As the naira weakens, imported food becomes more expensive.

  • Fuel & Energy: Despite being an oil producer, Nigeria imports most of its refined fuel. A weak naira pushes petrol and diesel costs higher, fueling inflation.

  • Education & Healthcare Abroad: Families sending money for school fees or medical treatment overseas face skyrocketing expenses.

  • Remittances: Nigerians in the diaspora — who collectively sent over $20 billion annually according to the World Bank — now see relatives at home receiving less naira for each dollar.


Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Under Pressure

Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has pursued reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy. These include:

  1. Unifying the exchange rate – CBN scrapped multiple official windows in 2023 to move towards a market-driven rate.

  2. Ending fuel subsidy – A long-debated policy that removed a major financial burden but triggered sharp rises in transport and food costs.

  3. Attracting foreign investment – Through global summits like the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 2025), Tinubu continues to pitch Nigeria as an investment destination.

Yet, investors remain cautious due to policy inconsistency, rising insecurity, and weak infrastructure. Analysts at Bloomberg note that Nigeria still faces an uphill battle, with reserves dwindling and inflation above 30%.


Expert Reactions

  • Chinedu Okeke, a Lagos-based financial analyst, told The Guardian Nigeria:

    “The widening gap between the official and black market rates shows that demand for dollars far outweighs supply. Unless the government boosts exports, improves oil revenues, or secures more foreign inflows, the naira will continue to slide.”

  • According to the Financial Times, Nigeria’s economic situation is being closely monitored by global lenders such as the IMF and World Bank, who have urged the government to implement further structural reforms to improve confidence.

  • In an interview with Reuters, a West African currency trader emphasized:

    “Nigerians abroad send money home every day. But the high black market rate discourages some remittances through official banks. Most prefer parallel channels that offer more naira.”


Regional and Global Context

Nigeria is not alone. Other African currencies, including the Ghanaian cedi, Kenyan shilling, and South African rand, have all struggled against the U.S. dollar in 2025, due to global inflation, U.S. interest rate hikes, and weaker commodity prices.

Still, Nigeria’s situation is more alarming given its heavy reliance on imports and its status as Africa’s largest economy. Experts say without diversification — particularly into manufacturing and agriculture — the naira will remain under pressure.


What This Means for Ordinary Nigerians

  • Food Inflation: Prices of staples such as rice, bread, and beans may continue to rise.

  • Transport Costs: Petrol scarcity or price hikes remain likely.

  • Business Operations: Import-dependent businesses face thinner profit margins.

  • Savings Erosion: The average Nigerian’s savings lose value daily against the dollar.

To cope, many Nigerians are turning to dollar-based savings, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, or investing in small gold holdings as hedges against inflation.


Looking Ahead

With the 2027 elections approaching, political pressure is also building. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, recently warned that insecurity and rising killings in parts of the country are partly linked to political maneuvering ahead of the polls. Economic hardship often fuels social unrest, making currency stability even more urgent.

Unless bold fiscal and monetary steps are taken, the naira’s downward spiral could undermine investor confidence and worsen poverty levels.

Conclusion

The black market dollar-to-naira exchange rate on August 22, 2025 reflects the urgent economic challenges Nigeria faces. While reforms are underway, the growing disparity between official and parallel market rates signals a pressing need for broader economic transformation. For millions of Nigerians at home and abroad, the weakening naira is not just an economic statistic — it is a daily reality shaping the cost of living, business survival, and national stability.

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Cooking Gas Prices Drop In Nigeria – See New Average Cost In July 2025

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Cooking Gas Prices Drop In Nigeria – See New Average Cost In July 2025

Cooking Gas Prices Drop

For many Nigerian households, the price of cooking gas has become a constant source of worry over the past year. Families who rely on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) have been caught between rising costs and stagnant incomes, forcing some to cut back usage or switch to less efficient alternatives like kerosene, charcoal, or even firewood. But there’s finally a small relief on the horizon: the price of cooking gas is beginning to ease, at least for now…..CONTINUE READING

The Latest Figures

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average retail price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG fell from ₦21,010.56 in June 2025 to ₦20,609.48 in July 2025. That’s a 1.91% decrease month-on-month, which, while not dramatic, is still a welcome change for struggling households.

However, the year-on-year comparison tells a different story. In July 2024, the same quantity cost ₦14,261.57. That means Nigerians are still paying 44.5% more today than they did just a year ago. In other words, while the month-to-month dip is good news, the bigger picture remains one of steep inflation.

Regional Variations

Interestingly, not all states are experiencing the same reality. States like Imo, Delta, and Rivers recorded some of the highest LPG prices, while Kebbi, Nasarawa, and Kwara enjoyed the lowest. This disparity often reflects transportation costs, supply chains, and even local market competition. For example, states closer to major gas depots or coastal areas may benefit from slightly cheaper prices compared to those further inland.

The Bigger Picture – Why Prices Are Still High

To understand why LPG prices remain elevated, it’s important to look beyond the numbers:

  1. Global Energy Market Volatility – International gas prices have been fluctuating due to shifts in demand, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical issues. Nigeria, despite being a gas-rich country, still ties its domestic prices partly to global trends.

  2. Dollar Exchange Rate – Since LPG imports rely on foreign exchange, the naira-to-dollar rate heavily impacts the cost. The weakened naira continues to put upward pressure on prices.

  3. Infrastructure & Supply Gaps – Nigeria has abundant gas reserves, but limited infrastructure for processing, storage, and distribution. Until the country expands its domestic capacity, prices will remain vulnerable to external shocks.

What It Means for Nigerian Households

For families already stretched thin by rising food and fuel costs, the slight reduction in July is a breath of fresh air. As of September 1, 2025, some Abuja residents were able to refill a 12.5kg cylinder for around ₦15,000, showing that market realities on the ground sometimes move faster than official averages.

Still, the larger problem remains: energy poverty. When gas prices are high, more people turn to cheaper, dirtier fuels, which affects not only household health (due to smoke inhalation) but also the environment through deforestation and carbon emissions.

Looking Ahead

The government has consistently spoken about making gas the “fuel of the future” in Nigeria, with initiatives to deepen LPG penetration and reduce reliance on kerosene and firewood. However, for this vision to become reality, pricing must be stable and affordable. Investments in local processing, distribution, and subsidies for households could go a long way in making LPG accessible to all.

Final Thoughts

The slight dip in cooking gas prices is good news, but it’s not enough to erase the burden of energy inflation on Nigerian families. Policymakers need to act fast to stabilize the market, support local production, and shield households from volatile global energy trends. For now, Nigerians can breathe a little easier when refilling their gas cylinders — but the bigger struggle for energy affordability continues.

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Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today – September 1, 2025

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Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today – September 1, 2025

Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange

The Nigerian economy continues to wrestle with exchange rate fluctuations, and as always, the black market remains a hot topic for anyone dealing in foreign exchange. Whether you are a business owner trying to import goods, a student paying school fees abroad, or simply someone receiving remittances from family overseas, the dollar-to-naira rate is a crucial figure that directly impacts your daily life……CONTINUE READING

As of Monday, September 1, 2025, the parallel market (popularly known as the Aboki fx or black market) recorded the following rates:

  • Buying Rate: ₦1545 per $1

  • Selling Rate: ₦1527 per $1

This figure is according to updates from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Lagos.

Why the Black Market Matters to Nigerians

Even though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to emphasize that the black market is not an official channel for forex transactions, the reality on the ground is that millions of Nigerians depend on it. The reasons are simple:

  1. Limited Access at Banks – Many Nigerians who attempt to buy forex through official channels often meet strict documentation requirements, long waiting times, or outright unavailability.

  2. Ease of Transactions – The black market offers faster and more flexible access to dollars, pounds, and euros.

  3. Demand vs Supply – With high demand and limited official supply, the parallel market becomes the go-to option.

Comparing Black Market and CBN Rates

Interestingly, the CBN’s official rates today (September 1, 2025) are only slightly different from the parallel market:

  • Highest Rate: ₦1534 per $1

  • Lowest Rate: ₦1525 per $1

This near-closeness is unusual compared to past years when black market rates could be hundreds of naira higher. It suggests the government may have increased interventions in the FX market or that liquidity has slightly improved.

What Does This Mean for Nigerians?

For everyday Nigerians, this narrow gap between official and parallel market rates may provide a bit of relief, especially for businesses that rely heavily on imported goods. However, the cost of living remains high, and any fluctuation in the dollar affects fuel prices, food costs, and even basic household items.

On the flip side, Nigerians earning in dollars (freelancers, exporters, and those receiving remittances) may feel that the naira is still undervalued compared to what it could fetch in the black market.

Final Thoughts

The dollar-to-naira story is far from over. While today’s rates may look more balanced between the CBN and black market, the sustainability of this stability depends on Nigeria’s economic policies, oil revenues, and global economic conditions.

For now, if you’re engaging in forex transactions, always compare rates and be cautious—especially with black market dealings. Though convenient, it is still outside the CBN’s approval, and prices may shift drastically from one day to the next.

💡 Tip: Always confirm the latest rates before making large forex-related decisions, and where possible, try to use official channels to minimize risks.

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Nigeria’s $500 Million Airport Upgrade Hits A Wall—Completion Date Now An Doubt

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Nigeria’s $500 Million Airport Upgrade Hits A Wall—Completion Date Now An Doubt

Nigeria’s $500 Million Airport

When Nigerians heard that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos—by far the busiest gateway into the country—was finally getting a long-overdue facelift, there was a sense of relief. After years of navigating outdated facilities, overcrowded halls, and infrastructure that clearly lagged behind global standards, the prospect of a modern terminal symbolized hope for a smoother travel experience and a stronger image of Nigeria abroad……CONTINUE READING

But as with many mega-infrastructure projects in the country, timelines are already shifting.

The Project and Its Challenges

The Lagos airport upgrade was initially pegged for completion within 22 months, setting a May 2027 delivery date. However, a three-month delay in commencement has already raised doubts about whether this timeline is achievable. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has defended the project, stressing that the overhaul is not just about aesthetics but about replacing decaying infrastructure, expanding capacity, and aligning Nigeria with international aviation benchmarks.

Industry experts, however, are less optimistic. “Even if the work had started in August, it still wouldn’t have been completed by May 2027,” one insider noted. This raises an important question: will the Lagos airport modernization follow through as scheduled, or will it become yet another stalled project on Nigeria’s long list of unfinished infrastructure ambitions?

Why the Stakes Are High

Airports are more than just transit points—they are a nation’s front door. For many visitors, their first impression of Nigeria begins at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Unfortunately, for years, that impression has been marked by long queues, frequent breakdowns of facilities, and a general sense of wear.

With Nigeria positioning itself as West Africa’s economic hub, an outdated airport undermines investment, tourism, and international confidence. Neighboring Ghana, for instance, has made significant strides in improving its aviation infrastructure, and it has already started reaping the benefits with increased traffic through Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar

Upgrading the Lagos airport isn’t only about new terminals or shiny floors. It’s about capacity, efficiency, and safety. The current facilities are overstretched, handling more passengers than they were designed for. If the new project is completed on time, it could ease congestion, improve passenger experience, and raise Nigeria’s competitiveness in global aviation rankings.

But if delays persist, Nigeria risks falling further behind. Investors and airlines are constantly evaluating logistics and infrastructure before making long-term decisions. A prolonged construction timeline could frustrate stakeholders and erode confidence.

What Needs to Change

To avoid a drawn-out project, the government must enforce transparency, strict adherence to deadlines, and accountability from contractors. Clear communication about timelines, budget allocations, and progress reports will not only assure Nigerians but also encourage confidence in the aviation sector as a whole.

Final Thoughts

The modernization of Lagos’ airport is not just another government project—it’s a critical national priority. Timely delivery could unlock economic growth, reshape global perceptions of Nigeria, and improve the daily travel experiences of millions of passengers. But delays, if unchecked, could reduce it to yet another symbol of promises made but not kept.

As Nigeria embarks on this ambitious overhaul, the clock is ticking. For once, Nigerians are hoping this will be a project that lands right on schedule.

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