Nigeria’s foreign reserves hits $45bn, rose by $374.66m in one week

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Last week foreign exchange inflows through the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) increased marginally to $844.70mn, compared with $841.10mn in the previous week.

Non-Bank Corporates accounted for the largest share of inflows at 25.52% or $215.60mn. This was followed by Individuals 18.38%, exporters (18.15%), CBN 16.79%, foreign portfolio investors 16.48%, while other sources contributed 1.01%.

As a result gross external reserve rose by 0.84% w/w $374.66m to $45.04bn as of 4th December 2025, supported by stronger inflows during the week. This implies that Nigeria has added nearly $5 billion to its reserves within a short period—an impressive turnaround at a time when many developing economies are struggling with declining foreign exchange stock.

The reserves, which now stand at $45.04 billion, represent one of the strongest positions the country has recorded in the last six years, marking a significant leap from previous levels. The last time Nigeria’s foreign reserves reached this territory was July 23, 2019, when reserves stood at $45.04 billion.

From available data the recent buildup in Nigeria’s reserves is a steady, consistent accumulation that reflects improving foreign exchange inflows.
The month began with reserves at $43.26 billion, maintaining a firm hold above the $43 billion threshold for several days.

By November 18, the reserves climbed to $44.05 billion, signalling growing inflows and reduced pressure on the foreign exchange market. They continued on this upward trajectory, closing the month at $44.67 billion, one of the strongest month-end positions recorded in recent times.

The Naira however depreciated across the official and parallel markets last week, reflecting broad weakness in the performance of the currency.

The official rate depreciated mildly by 0.25% w/w to close at N1,450.43/$1, while the parallel market rate weakened by 1.67% w/w to settle at N1,495.00/$1.

Consequently, the spread between both markets expanded to N44.57/$1, from the N23.26/$1 of the previous week.