The Nigerian Naira traded steadily against the United States Dollar during Friday morning dealings on February 13, 2026. As the week draws to a close, the domestic currency continues to enjoy support from a stable policy framework and recent measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at increasing retail dollar availability.
Official Market Trends
At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the Naira began trading at about 1,356.33 per dollar. After early transactions, the rate experienced slight movements before averaging 1,355.58 by mid-morning.
The marginal intraday gain highlights the currency’s stability within the 1,350 to 1,360 band. Analysts attribute the calm trading environment to the effectiveness of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System in aligning supply with demand, as well as the Central Bank’s renewed collaboration with Bureau De Change operators to manage retail transactions.
Parallel Market Performance
Activity in the parallel market, commonly referred to as the “black market,” remained mostly steady on Friday, reflecting the trend seen in the official window. In key business centres such as Lagos and Abuja, the dollar traded between 1,425 and 1,440.
Market participants noted that the usual “weekend effect,” which can trigger heightened demand and sharp price increases, was subdued. Improved dollar access through authorised BDC outlets reduced speculative buying in the informal segment. Consequently, the gap between the NFEM rate and the parallel market stayed relatively tight, providing greater certainty for small businesses and individual buyers.
Summary of Rates for February 13
- NFEM (Official) Opening: 1,356.33
- NFEM (Official) Current: 1,355.58
- Parallel Market Range: 1,425 – 1,440
With trading nearing the weekend’s close, the Naira appears positioned to sustain its stability into the middle of the month. Observers will focus on the day’s closing figures to gauge its strength ahead of Monday’s session.