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The naira continued to trade at a weaker position against the United States dollar at the Lagos parallel market, popularly known as the black market.

Checks with operators at various Bureau De Change (BDC) outlets in Lagos revealed that the dollar was sold for ₦1,500, while buyers exchanged the greenback at ₦1,485 per dollar. This reflects the ongoing pressure on the local currency amid sustained demand for foreign exchange in the informal market.

Currency traders attributed the disparity in rates to limited dollar supply and increased demand from importers, travelers, and individuals seeking foreign exchange for personal and business transactions.

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market. The apex bank has repeatedly warned Nigerians against patronizing the parallel market, advising those in need of foreign exchange to obtain it through their respective commercial banks and other approved channels.

At the official foreign exchange market, the naira traded at relatively stronger levels. According to data from the CBN, the highest exchange rate recorded was ₦1,420 per dollar, while the lowest stood at ₦1,416 per dollar during the same period.

The wide gap between the official and parallel market rates continues to highlight persistent challenges in Nigeria’s foreign exchange system, including dollar liquidity constraints and speculative trading activities.

Market observers caution that exchange rates may vary slightly depending on location, volume of transaction, and the dealer involved. As a result, the actual price at which individuals buy or sell foreign currency may differ from the rates quoted.

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The naira continued to face pressure against the United States dollar at the parallel market, as trading activities reflected elevated exchange rates on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Market observations indicate that the dollar was sold on Thursday, 15, 2026, at ₦1,480 and purchased at ₦ 1,450 by operators at the Lagos-based parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market.

Currency dealers, particularly Bureau De Change (BDCs) operators, confirmed that these rates represented the prevailing conditions at the close of trading, highlighting sustained demand for foreign exchange amid limited supply.

The figures suggest that individuals seeking to exchange dollars for naira at the informal market were required to transact within this range. However, rates may differ slightly depending on location and negotiation.

Meanwhile, data obtained by BrandNewsDay shows that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official exchange window recorded lower rates for the same period. At the official market, the dollar exchanged between ₦1,430 and ₦1,455, reflecting a notable gap between the regulated and unregulated forex segments.

It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria does not recognise transactions conducted at the parallel market and has consistently advised individuals and businesses seeking foreign exchange to channel their demands through commercial banks and approved financial institutions.

What You Should Know: Dollar-Naira Black market rate.

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources in the Ogba and Ikeja axis of Lagos state, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at the Parallel Market (Black Market) was N1,455 on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The U.S. Dollar was bought at N1430-N1450 and sold for N1480.

Bureau De Change (BDC) sources in Gwarimpa and Gwagwalada in FCT buy a dollar for N1430 to N1455 and sell it between N1460 to N1480 on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Market analysts caution that exchange rates may fluctuate, as forex prices are influenced by demand, supply, and regional market dynamics, meaning actual buying or selling rates may vary from those.

Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may differ from what is captured in this article because prices vary from state to state across Nigeria.