Economy
US oil imports from Nigeria to drop as Trump plans energy emergency order

The President Trump planned an executive order and declaration of a national energy emergency, targeted at enhancing the United States oil and gas production could impact on Nigeria’s oil demand and revenue generation.
This was even as prices of oil, including Nigeria’s Bonny Light dropped to $80 per barrel from $83 per barrel, yesterday, as traders await U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in the hope of some clarity on his policy agenda.
However, the United States used to import a bulk of its crude oil from Nigeria, but the commencement of shale oil, deliberate government policy and other factors, reduced the nation’s oil and gas import in recent times.
Despite the reduction, recent data indicated that the United States oil and gas import from Nigeria was worth $4.73 billion in 2023.
According some experts, the revenue would likely decrease in 2025 and beyond following President Trump executive order and declaration of a national energy emergency.
In an interview with Vanguard, yesterday, an economist and Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, Dr Muda Yusuf, said: “Naturally, if investments in oil and gas increase in the United States and the US of course is a major oil producer that will increase the global supply. If global supply increases, energy prices are likely to fall.
“So, if energy prices fall, of course, that has implications for our own revenue. So it’s likely to negatively impact on our oil price, on our oil revenue but it may be positive for businesses because a reduction in crude oil price or commodity or global oil price typically reduces the cost of petroleum products, including the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
“However, it’s a double-edged sword as changes, if the price increases; it will favour the government and penalize the private sector, who uses energy. If the price drops, it penalizes the government and benefits the citizens and investors because their energy costs will drop.
“That is one implication of the Trump presidency. The second implication is, if he’s able to calm down the situation between Russia and Ukraine. Russia is a major oil producer as well, a major gas producer.
“So, he’s able to calm down Russia and Ukraine and he has the potential to do that because it is part of the commitment that he has made.
“If he’s able to do that, then we are likely to see more production of oil. We are likely to see the lifting of sanctions on Russia and if that happens, oil production will increase and prices will fall. Again, that will affect revenue negatively, but it will benefit businesses because cost of energy will drop.
“So, that is the nexus for me between what is happening with Trump policies and our domestic economy, especially the oil and gas sector.”
On his part, a Port Harcourt-based energy analyst, Dr. Bala Zakka, said: “Major importers from Nigeria, indirectly encourage our nation to be lazy, exporting crude oil instead of processing to add more value to the economy.
“I strongly believe that by reducing importation through his policies, President Trump would encourage increased refining in Nigeria and other African nations. We need to expand our refining capacity to refine more petroleum product and derivatives, capable of adding value to the domestic economy.”
Also, the National President of Oil and Gas Service Providers Association of Nigeria, OGSPAN, said: “Every nation continuously reviews its environment and takes decisions on the best ways and means to grow its economy. Nigeria should do the same in order to reduce dependence on oil and other economies.”
Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, has assured consumers that the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery and the NNPC Limited owned Port Harcourt refinery would ensure easy flow of petrol during the Yuletide season.
PETROAN in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele said the petrol supply agreement reached with the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery would avert any possible shortage of premium motor spirit during the period.
This, according to Dr Obele, is due to the efforts of PETROAN distribution technical committee incharge of planning and execution of zero-fuel scarcity strategy.
“We are happy that Nigerians are going to travel effortlessly during this period of the year”, the Group added.
Recall that the National President of PETROAN, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, on Monday 2nd December 2024 led the negotiation team of the association to a fruitful strategic business meeting with the management of Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
PETROAN noted that the “sealing of a transactionary deal with Dangote Refinery was the aftermath of a successful buyer-seller negotiation and agreement secured by PETROAN at the strategic meeting.
“PETROAN National President commended the Vice President of Dangote group & Managing Director of Dangote Refinery, Mr. Devakumar V. G. Edwin, for his cooperation and strategies deployed so far to make petroleum products available to all Nigerians throughout the end of year festivities and beyond.”
Economy
Naira Gains Slightly Against Dollar On May 8, 2025

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the naira is exchanging for ₦1,627 to 1 US dollar at the parallel market (black market) in Nigeria.
This reflects the current rate at which individuals are trading dollars for naira outside of official financial institutions.
This means that for every one dollar, you can get the equivalent in naira of ₦1,627 on May 8, 2025, showing a very slight improvement compared to the previous day, indicating a momentary easing of pressure on the naira against the dollar.
Thursday, May 8, 2025, records a marginal upward movement in the exchange rate, suggesting a bit of stability in the local currency for those transacting in foreign exchange.
The black market rate represents the value at which individuals can trade their dollars for naira outside official exchange channels, where the currency’s value is largely driven by supply and demand dynamics rather than government regulation.
Note that the Black Market Exchange rate is typically higher than the official exchange rate because it is not regulated by the government and reflects a more immediate, fluctuating market response.
Today’s exchange rate has slightly improved compared to yesterday, Wednesday, May 7, when the naira exchanged at ₦1,628 per dollar. (This means the naira gained a bit of value in the past 24 hours, possibly due to a brief easing in dollar demand or better forex inflow.)
The value of a country’s currency is determined by aggregate supply and demand, influenced by factors such as national interest rates, inflation, capital flow, and the overall money supply.
These forces, both internal and external, affect the strength of a nation’s currency and contribute to exchange rate fluctuations. The most common method to assess a currency’s value is through exchange rates. The two main exchange rate systems are the fixed rate and the floating rate systems, with the parallel market rate offering a real-time reflection of currency trends.
Investors and market participants closely monitor parallel market rates for a more immediate and practical reflection of currency trends, often making it a reliable indicator of short-term shifts in economic conditions.
Economy
SEE Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today – 7th May 2025

The dollar to naira rate keeps making headlines, and if you’re here, chances are you’re looking for today’s black market exchange rate – Wednesday, 7th May 2025. Whether you need to exchange dollars for business, personal use, or just want to stay updated, this post gives you the most accurate and up-to-date info on the dollar to naira rate in the parallel (Aboki) market.
We understand how quickly things can change in Nigeria’s forex market, so we’re committed to bringing you real-time figures and what’s influencing them.
What is the dollar-to-naira exchange rate on the black market, like the Aboki Fx?
The exchange rate for the US dollar (USD) to Nigerian Naira (NGN) in the parallel market, also known as black market, as of 7th May 2025, is N1,610 for 1 USD.
This rate is often sourced from the latest data provided by Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.
How much is a Dollar to Naira today in the Black Market?
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate at the Black Market, especially the Aboki Fx?
Because of the dynamics of supply and demand in the informal foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) official rates often differ significantly from those in the black market.
As of today, 7th May 2025, the black market buying rate for the US dollar is N1,600 while the selling rate is N1,610.
These rates change from time to time during the day, influenced by various factors including economic conditions, market speculation, and government policies.
The dollar-to-naira exchange rate in the black market has continued to fluctuate, reflecting the economic challenges and forex shortages in Nigeria.
In contrast to the black market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains an official exchange rate. Today, the CBN rate for one dollar is N1,606.64.
The disparity between the official and black market rates highlights the pressure on the naira and the challenges in the country’s forex market.
Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Foreign Currency Buying rate Selling rate
DOLLAR ($USD) N1,600 N1,610
POUNDS STERLING (GBP) N2,120 N2,140
EURO (EUR) N1,780 1,800
CBN Exchange Rate Today
Foreign Currency Buying rate Selling rate
DOLLAR ($USD) N1,605.64 N1,606.64
POUNDS STERLING (GBP) N2,150.27 N2,151.61
EURO (EUR)
N1,823.68
N1,824.82
YUAN (CNY)
N222.49
N222.63
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR)
N428.07
N428.34
CRYPTOCURRENCY
At the time of posting
BITCOIN
1 BTC: NGN153M
1 NGN = 0.000000078BTC
ETHEREUM
1 ETH: NGN 2.9M
1 NGN: 0.00000034ETH
Variations in Forex Rates
Forex rates in Nigeria vary across different markets and platforms. The black market, official CBN rates, and rates offered by commercial banks and international money transfer operators all differ.
This discrepancy creates arbitrage opportunities and poses challenges for businesses and individuals needing foreign currency for legitimate transactions.
50 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
For people looking to exchange 50 US dollars today, the rate in the black market will be approximately N80,000 if obtained at the buying rate of N1,600 per dollar.
For those buying from retailers, it would cost N80,500 at the selling rate of N1,610 per dollar.
100 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
Exchanging 100 US dollars today in the black market will get you N160,000 if sold at the current buying rate.
For those purchasing dollars, it will cost them N161,000. This rate of increase no doubt affects businesses, travelers, and others who need dollars and other foreign currencies for overseas transactions.
500 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
A larger transaction of 500 US dollars will result in N800,000 at the buying rate and N805,000 at the selling rate in the black market today.
The higher volumes reflect the ongoing need for dollars in the business community.
1,000 Dollars to Naira Today Black Market
For those who need up to 1000 US dollars, the black market will offer N1,600,000 at the buying rate and N1,610,000 at the selling rate.
Economy
75.5% of rural Nigerians now live below poverty line — World Bank

The World Bank has disclosed that a staggering 75.5 per cent of rural Nigerians are now living below the poverty line, reflecting deepening hardship in the country’s hinterlands.
This was revealed in the Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief for Nigeria, which paints a grim picture of worsening economic hardship, widening inequality, and persistent underdevelopment across much of the nation.
While poverty is widespread among urban populations, the report emphasised that the situation is significantly worse in rural areas, where economic stagnation, high inflation, and insecurity have exacerbated living conditions.
“Based on the most recent official household survey data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, 30.9 per cent of Nigerians lived below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per person per day in 2018/19 before the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report stated.
The report also highlighted Nigeria’s enduring regional disparities. “Nigeria remains spatially unequal. The poverty rate in northern geopolitical zones was 46.5 per cent in 2018/19, compared with 13.5 per cent for southern ones. Inequality measured by the Gini index was estimated at 35.1 in 2018/19.
“Nigeria’s Prosperity Gap — the average factor by which individuals’ incomes must be multiplied to attain a prosperity standard of $25 per day for all — is estimated at 10.2, higher than most peers.”
Despite successive policy interventions, these figures underscore a persistent economic divide across the country.
The report’s demographic analysis found that children aged 0 to 14 years had a poverty rate of 72.5 per cent, reflecting the scale of deprivation among the youngest segment of the population.
Gender disparities were also observed, with 63.9 per cent of females and 63.1 per cent of males classified as poor under the $3.65 per day lower-middle-income threshold.
Education emerged as a significant determinant of poverty, with Nigerians lacking formal education experiencing a poverty rate of 79.5 per cent. This contrasts with 61.9 per cent for those with primary education and 50.0 per cent for secondary school graduates. Only 25.4 per cent of those with tertiary education were considered poor.
The report also drew attention to multidimensional poverty indicators, which further reflect widespread deprivation.
According to the World Bank, about 30.9 per cent of Nigerians live on less than $2.15 daily, 32.6 per cent lack access to limited-standard drinking water, 45.1 per cent do not have limited-standard sanitation, and 39.4 per cent have no electricity.
Education access remains a challenge, with 17.6 per cent of adults yet to complete primary education, and 9.0 per cent of households reporting at least one school-aged child not enrolled in school.
The report noted that even before the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to reduce extreme poverty had largely stalled.
“Before COVID-19, extreme poverty reduction had almost stagnated, dropping by only half a percentage point annually since 2010. Living standards of the urban poor are hardly improving, and jobs that would allow households to escape poverty are lacking,” the report read.
Although the World Bank acknowledged recent economic reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook, it warned that persistently high inflation continues to undermine household purchasing power, particularly in urban areas where incomes have not kept pace with rising costs.
In light of the worsening situation, the Bank called for urgent policy action to shield vulnerable groups from inflationary shocks and to drive job creation through more productive economic activities.
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