Economy
Import Duties to be calculated on basis of prevailing exchange rate -CBN tells importers
By Emmanuel Agaji
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) weekend ended the anxiety and about two months of confusion suffered by importers and customs agents on what foreign exchange rate their import duties should be assessed.
This was as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate for Customs duty payments.
The apex bank said on Friday said that the prevailing exchange rate on the date the Form M was opened for the importation of goods will be adopted for calculating duties on imported goods effective Monday, February 26.
This was contained in a circular signed by the the Director Trade and Exchange Department of CBN, Dr Hassan Mahmud.
Mahmud said in the circular that the Customs is free to henceforth accept the exchange rate applicable on the date the importer opens his Form M, until the cargoes come into the country and cleared from the ports.
Part of the circular reads:
“Following the liberalization of the FX market on Willing Buyer — Willing Seller trading principle,
the Central Bank of Nigeria has noted the concerns of Importers of goods and services in the irregular changes in the Import Duty Assessment levies applied by the Nigeria Customs Service
These developments have further built uncertainties around the pricing structure of goods and services in the economy and creating abnormal increases in the final sale prices of items, which is largely driven by uncertainties, rather than traditional market fundamentals, with implications to near term inflation trend.
“To this effect, the Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to advise that the Nigeria Custom Service and other related Parties adopt the closing FX rate on the date of opening Form M for the importation of goods, as the FX rate to be used for Import Duty Assessment. This rate remains valid until the date of termination of the importation and clearance of goods by importers.
“This would enable the Nigeria Custom Service and the importers to effectively plan appropriately and reduce the uncertainties around varying daily exchange rate in determining their revenue or cost structure, respectively.
“Therefore, effective 26″ February 2024, the closing rate on the date of opening of Form M for the importation of goods and services would be the rates that would apply for the assessment of import duty.
This supersedes the requirements of Memorandum 9, J (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Foreign Exchange Manual. (Revised Edition), 2018.
While the CBN is mindful of the initial volatility and price distortions in the aftermath of the FX market liberalization, the Bank is confident that these reforms, would in the medium term, ensure stability in the market and entrench market confidence necessary to attract investment capital for the growth and development of the Nigerian economy”.
The Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate for 13th January 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.
NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand.
The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 13th January 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1485 and buy at ₦1479 on Tuesday 13th January, 2025, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1485
Buying Rate ₦1479
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1430
Lowest Rate ₦1420
The Nigerian Naira began the second week of January 2026 with continued fluctuations as market participants adjusted to early-year liquidity shifts in both the official and informal currency markets.
Official Market Performance
In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the local currency maintained a relatively stable position against the greenback. Trading data from the early hours of Monday indicates that the Naira opened at approximately 1,426.69 per dollar. As the session progressed, the rate saw minor appreciation, settling around 1,423.82 per dollar by midday.
This movement reflects a 0.20 percent gain for the Naira, following efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to maintain transparency in price discovery and ensure a steady supply of foreign exchange to meet legitimate obligations. Market turnover remains a key indicator for observers, as the volume of dollars traded today will signal the level of corporate demand for the month of January.
Parallel Market Realities
In the parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, the Naira traded at a slight premium compared to the official window. Reports from currency dealers in Lagos and Abuja show that the dollar is being exchanged at rates ranging between 1,475 and 1,490.
The gap between the official and parallel markets remains a point of interest for economic analysts. While the NFEM provides a benchmark for large-scale transactions, the parallel market continues to serve small-scale retail needs and individuals who may not have immediate access to official banking channels.
Market Outlook
The current stability observed today is attributed to a combination of factors, including steadying oil revenues and the central bank’s ongoing monetary tightening measures. However, pressure remains as importers begin to place orders for the first quarter of the year, potentially testing the resilience of the current exchange rate levels.
Observers are closely watching for further policy updates from the financial regulators, which could influence the direction of the currency as the business year gains full momentum.
As of January 6, 2026, nineteen Nigerian banks have met the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s recapitalization requirements, ahead of the March 31 deadline.
This was disclosed in data released by The Cable Index on Tuesday.
The banks with international licenses that have complied include Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, GTBank (GTCO), UBA, and Zenith Bank.
For banks with national and regional licenses, Citibank Nigeria, Ecobank Nigeria, Globus Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Wema Bank, PremiumTrust Bank, and Providus Bank have all met the CBN’s recapitalization benchmarks.
Additionally, two non-interest banks, Jaiz and Lotus and three merchant banks, including FSDH, Greenwich, and Nova, have achieved the required capital thresholds.
Despite this progress, approximately 14 banks have yet to meet the recapitalisation requirement.
CBN had announced fresh capital requirements in March 2024: N500 billion for international banks, N200 billion for national banks, N50 billion for merchant banks, and between N10 billion and N20 billion for non-interest banks.
2027: Tinubu Can Be Shoved Aside If INEC Is Closely Monitored – Dele Momodu
VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance
Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”
Edo Killings: Jibrin Shares Details of His Discussion with Okpebholo
Jail break: One of Seven Escaped Ilesha Inmates re-arrested in Lagos
Police neutralise bandit, rescue 5 kidnapped victims in Katsina
-
News20 hours agoDelta: Governor Oborevwori approves minor cabinet reshuffle
-
News20 hours agoNJC Recommends Justice Oyewole For Appointment To Supreme Court
-
News19 hours agoJAC of SSANU, NASU lauds ASUU on signed agreement with FG
-
News20 hours agoTUC Backs JOHESU, Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Salary Stoppage
-
Sports20 hours agoAFCON 2025: Odion Ighalo names best defender in tournament
-
Sports20 hours agoArsenal secure 2-3 victory against hard fighting Chelsea
-
Metro19 hours agoTension in Delta community over suspected herdsmen attacks
-
News12 hours agoFG backpedals on tax laws guidelines, cites uncertainty