Naira Gains as Official Rate Settles at N1,366

The Nigerian Naira concluded a week of steady gains on Friday, 13 March 2026, appreciating by 0.3% in the official market. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed the currency closed at N1,366.23 per dollar, up N5.27 for the week’s final trading session. This performance caps a five-day rally that began with the currency trading above the 1,400 mark on Monday.

The trajectory of the week reveals a consistent strengthening of the legal tender. After opening the week at N1,405.62, the Naira improved slightly on Tuesday to N1,401.40. Momentum increased mid-week as the rate broke the resistance level to settle at N1,376.19 by Wednesday. Market analysts suggest this gradual appreciation reflects growing liquidity and more robust intervention strategies by the central bank.

The current exchange rate remains significantly stronger than the 1,425 “lowest rate” recorded earlier in the month. Trading volume has remained healthy, providing the necessary depth to sustain these gains without sparking the volatility seen in previous quarters. The narrowing gap between the daily high and low rates during Friday’s session further indicates that speculative pressure is receding.

For corporate planners and importers, the week’s closing rate offers a predictable window for the coming days. The 0.3% gain on Friday follows a similar trend from Thursday’s close of N1,371.50. This sustained stability is a marked departure from the wild fluctuations that characterised the market throughout much of 2025.

As the market enters the weekend, the focus turns to whether the CBN can maintain this momentum into the next trading cycle. While the currency has found a comfortable range between 1,360 and 1,380, global energy prices and regional security remain external variables. For now, the Naira sits at its strongest position of the month.