Nigerian Naira Hits All-Time Low on NAFEM, Black Market Soars to N1,152/$1

Nigeria faced a disconcerting financial scenario as the exchange rate between the Nigerian naira and the US dollar plummeted to an unprecedented low of N999/$1 on October 19, 2023.

This significant depreciation in the national currency’s value was observed during intraday trading on the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) as reported by the FMDQ.

The N999/$1 rate, although recorded as an intraday high, stirred concerns among market analysts who anticipate a potential further decline by the close of trading activities.

The unsettling trend extended beyond the official forex market, revealing additional cause for worry in unofficial trading. Notably, the black market, known as Peer-to-Peer (P2P) trading, experienced a surge in the exchange rate to N1,152/$1 during early afternoon trading.

This dramatic increase underscores the ongoing and consistent depreciation of the naira.

This financial development represents an ongoing trend in Nigeria, as just one day prior, the naira had already depreciated to N1,100 against the US dollar in the parallel market, while the official market rate remained at N790 per dollar.

The continuous erosion of the naira’s value against the US dollar poses formidable economic challenges for the nation and its populace.

The situation is rapidly evolving, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

It underscores the critical need for effective measures to stabilize the naira and ensure the economic well-being of the country and its citizens.