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Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today – 25th August 2025

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Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today – 25th August 2025

The exchange rate between the United States Dollar (USD) and the Nigerian Naira (NGN) continues to be one of the most closely watched indicators of economic performance in Nigeria. On Monday, 25th August 2025, reports from currency traders in Lagos and other financial hubs show that the Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the black market, also known as the parallel market or Aboki FX, opened with buying at ₦1550 per $1 and selling at ₦1540 per $1.

This comes just a day after Sunday’s closing rates, which hovered around the same range, reflecting ongoing volatility in Nigeria’s forex market.


Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate – 25th August 2025

  • Buying Rate: ₦1550

  • Selling Rate: ₦1540

These figures represent what currency dealers and Bureau De Change (BDC) operators are quoting in the open market today. However, it is important to stress that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize or regulate the black market. The apex bank insists that Nigerians seeking foreign exchange for business, travel, or personal needs must approach commercial banks and other authorized dealers.


CBN Official Dollar to Naira Rate Today

According to figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on its official rate board, the naira remains slightly stronger than the parallel market rates:

  • Highest CBN Rate Today: ₦1536 per $1

  • Lowest CBN Rate Today: ₦1534 per $1

The CBN emphasizes that these official rates are the benchmark for international trade settlements, government transactions, and other formal economic activities.


Why the Black Market Matters

Despite the official stance of the CBN, the black market exchange rate continues to dominate real-life transactions across Nigeria. From importers and business owners to students paying school fees abroad, many Nigerians turn to parallel market dealers due to limited access to dollars at the official rate.

Economic analysts note that the widening gap between the official and black market rates reflects persistent challenges in Nigeria’s forex supply chain. These include:

  1. Reduced Oil Revenues – Nigeria remains heavily dependent on crude oil exports for foreign exchange earnings. Global oil price fluctuations directly affect the CBN’s dollar reserves.

  2. High Import Dependency – The country still relies on imported goods, ranging from refined petroleum to food items, which drives up demand for foreign currency.

  3. Capital Flight and Inflation – Investors often hedge against naira depreciation by holding dollars, further pressuring demand.

  4. Policy Restrictions – CBN’s forex restrictions on certain imports push many businesses to the black market to meet their needs.


Global and Regional Context

Nigeria’s forex struggles are not isolated. Across Africa, several economies are facing currency depreciation as the US dollar strengthens globally. In Ghana, the cedi has seen sharp losses against the dollar, while in Egypt, the pound remains under pressure due to high import costs and external debt repayments.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), emerging markets with heavy import bills and limited forex reserves are especially vulnerable. Nigeria’s case is compounded by structural challenges, including low non-oil exports and limited foreign direct investment inflows.

The World Bank recently warned that if Nigeria does not diversify its revenue sources and improve investor confidence, exchange rate volatility could persist in the medium term.


Impact on Nigerians

The black market exchange rate affects nearly every Nigerian household. Rising dollar costs translate to higher prices for imported goods, school fees, medical expenses, and even digital subscriptions. For businesses, particularly in manufacturing and retail, the increased cost of raw materials and finished products often leads to inflationary pressures.

A Lagos-based importer told our reporters:

“It’s nearly impossible to get dollars at the official rate. We are forced to buy from the black market, and the cost always ends up being passed to consumers. That’s why prices keep rising in the markets.”


Government Efforts and Market Reforms

The Nigerian government has pledged to unify exchange rates and improve transparency in the forex market. Recent reforms under the CBN’s leadership include:

  • Efforts to boost diaspora remittances through official banking channels.

  • Measures to attract foreign investment into critical sectors.

  • Proposals to support export diversification in agriculture and manufacturing.

However, experts argue that lasting stability will require structural reforms, including reducing import dependency and boosting local production capacity.


Forecast and Outlook

Economists predict that the naira will remain under pressure in the short term as Nigeria navigates both domestic and global economic headwinds. Oil prices, capital inflows, and government fiscal policies will be key determinants in the coming months.

Until then, the black market will likely remain the primary channel through which ordinary Nigerians access dollars, despite CBN warnings.

Final Note

As of Monday, 25th August 2025, the dollar to naira exchange rate in Nigeria’s black market stands at ₦1550/$1 (buying) and ₦1540/$1 (selling), while the CBN maintains an official band around ₦1534–₦1536/$1.

For Nigerians at home and abroad, keeping track of both official and parallel rates remains crucial in planning daily transactions, investments, and remittances.

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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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Edo Govt Under Fire Over Allegations Of Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

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Edo Govt Under Fire Over Allegations Of Forcing Teachers Into Menial Labour

The Edo State Government is facing backlash after reports emerged that public school teachers were allegedly compelled to cut grass and perform menial jobs on the orders of the Ministry of Education.

The claim, raised by the Edo State Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights, has sparked outrage and debate across the state. According to the group, teachers were being treated as “gardeners and janitors,” a move they described as degrading, unconstitutional, and a slap in the face of Nigeria’s educators…..CONTINUE READING

Civil Society Raises Alarm

In a strongly worded statement signed by Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the group condemned the practice and threatened protests and legal action if the government does not put an immediate stop to it.

“Teachers are the backbone of society and nation-builders entrusted with shaping the minds of our children. Reducing them to gardeners and cleaners is a shameful act of abuse and a slap in the face of every hardworking educator in Edo State,” the statement read.

The group reminded the government that Section 34 (1)(c) of the Nigerian Constitution forbids forced labour, warning that the alleged directive amounted to a breach of teachers’ fundamental rights.

The Bigger Picture: Respecting the Teaching Profession

Beyond the legal implications, the controversy highlights a broader societal issue — the undervaluing of teachers in Nigeria. For decades, teachers have battled low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of respect. Forcing them into menial jobs, civil rights groups argue, is yet another reminder of how the system undermines the very people tasked with building the nation’s future.

Rather than compelling teachers to double as gardeners, the group called on the government to employ support staff, cleaners, and maintenance workers who would be properly remunerated for such roles.

Government Responds: “It Was Voluntary CSR”

In response, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, denied that teachers were being forced into menial work. He claimed available information suggested the activities were voluntary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives by some teachers — not an official directive.

He assured the public that a full-scale investigation had been ordered and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting teachers’ rights.

“Teachers’ priority is the transfer of learning. We want to discourage in very strong terms teachers forcibly engaging in tasks that do not directly strengthen knowledge and learning outcomes,” Iyamu said.

The commissioner further noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has made strides in improving teacher welfare, citing minimum wage increments, the regularization of casual teachers, construction of teachers’ quarters, and ongoing training programs.

Analysis: CSR or Coercion?

While the government insists the practice was voluntary, the backlash reveals a trust deficit between civil society and state authorities. If indeed voluntary, why would teachers feel compelled to participate? And if coerced, what does that say about the treatment of educators in Edo?

This is not just about cutting grass — it is about respecting professional boundaries. Teachers are employed to teach, not to serve as janitors. Blurring those lines risks eroding morale in an already struggling education system.

Conclusion: Time for Transparency and Reform

The uproar over this incident underscores the urgent need for clear policies on school maintenance, transparent use of education funds, and renewed respect for teachers.

Teachers deserve dignity, not degradation. Whether this was a case of miscommunication or systemic neglect, one truth stands out: a nation that disrespects its teachers risks sabotaging its own future.

The Edo government now has a chance to not just investigate but to restore trust — by ensuring that schools are maintained by trained staff while teachers focus solely on their sacred duty: educating the next generation.

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Jonathan Fires Back At Keyamo, Odinkalu Over 2027 Eligibility Debate: “Your Unsolicited Advice Not Needed”

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Jonathan Fires Back At Keyamo, Odinkalu Over 2027 Eligibility Debate: “Your Unsolicited Advice Not Needed”

Jonathan Fires Back At Keyamo

The road to Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already heating up — and one of the names stirring the pot is that of former President Goodluck Jonathan (GEJ). Though he hasn’t formally declared his interest, speculation about a possible comeback has sparked fierce debate among political heavyweights, constitutional lawyers, and party insiders……CONTINUE READING

This week, the controversy reached a boiling point after Jonathan, through his cousin and confidant, Azibaola Robert, responded sharply to critics who questioned his eligibility to contest.

The Trigger: Keyamo and Odinkalu’s Warning

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and renowned human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, recently advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against fielding Jonathan in 2027. Their argument was straightforward: Jonathan has already been sworn in twice — once as Acting President (after Yar’Adua’s death in 2010) and again when he won the 2011 election — and a third attempt could face constitutional roadblocks.

According to them, such a move would not survive legal scrutiny and could plunge PDP into unnecessary controversy.

Jonathan’s Camp Claps Back

But Robert, speaking on Jonathan’s behalf, wasn’t having it. In a strongly worded statement, he dismissed their concerns as “unsolicited advice” and insisted GEJ’s eligibility had already been settled in court.

“Please note: GEJ is 100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest, if he chooses to. If he decides not to yield to the overwhelming calls to run, it will not be because he is unqualified,” Robert declared.

He went further, reminding both men that Jonathan has access to “more cerebral and experienced SANs” who provide sound legal guidance — making outside commentary unnecessary.

Why This Matters: The Eligibility Question

The debate over Jonathan’s eligibility isn’t new. In 2022, ahead of the last elections, similar arguments surfaced but were largely dismissed after courts ruled in his favor, affirming that his brief stint as Acting President did not count against him.

However, in politics, perception often matters as much as legality. The fact that senior figures like Keyamo and Odinkalu are still raising the issue suggests the PDP may face fresh internal and external battles if Jonathan throws his hat in the ring.

The Bigger Picture: PDP’s Zoning Dilemma

Jonathan’s rumored comeback also touches on a deeper political fault line — zoning. The PDP recently zoned its 2027 presidential ticket to the South. On the surface, this seems like good news for Jonathan. But within the South itself, there are tensions:

  • The South-East feels it is their turn after decades of marginalization.

  • The South-South (Jonathan’s region) already produced a president in him.

  • The South-West currently holds the presidency through Bola Tinubu (APC).

A Jonathan candidacy could either energize PDP with his experience and name recognition — or fracture the South’s collective bargaining power.

Jonathan’s Silence: A Calculated Strategy?

Interestingly, Jonathan himself has remained silent on the matter. Robert stressed that his comments should “not be seen as confirmation that GEJ is running.” This silence may be strategic. By not declaring yet, Jonathan keeps speculation alive, maintains his relevance in political discourse, and allows his camp to gauge public opinion.

Conclusion: A Battle Beyond 2027

Whether or not Jonathan runs, this episode reveals a larger truth: Nigeria’s 2027 elections will not just be about candidates, but about constitutional interpretation, party unity, and regional politics. The PDP in particular faces a delicate balancing act as it tries to rebuild after its 2023 defeat.

For now, one thing is clear: Goodluck Jonathan remains a political force whose name alone can stir heated debate — even without a formal declaration. And that, perhaps, is the clearest sign that the countdown to 2027 has truly begun.

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