Forex Inflow Jumps 36.5% to $33.76bn in Five Months
Nigeria’s net foreign exchange inflow rose by 36.5 per cent to $33.76bn in the first five months of 2026, compared with $24.72bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
The increase was driven by higher forex receipts through both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and autonomous sources, alongside a significant decline in outflows during the period.
Data from the CBN’s monthly economic reports showed that aggregate forex inflow increased by eight per cent to $50.05bn in the five months to May 2026, from $46.34bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Forex outflow, however, declined by 24.6 per cent to $16.29bn from $21.62bn, contributing to the stronger net inflow.
A breakdown of the figures showed that forex inflow through the CBN rose by 2.75 per cent to $15.30bn from $14.89bn, while receipts from autonomous sources increased by 10.5 per cent to $34.76bn from $31.45bn.
Despite the rise in inflows, outflow through autonomous sources increased by 14.6 per cent to $5.78bn from $5.04bn.
Consequently, autonomous sources recorded a net forex inflow of $28.97bn in the review period, compared with $26.40bn in the first five months of 2025.
The CBN also recorded an increase in net forex inflow, rising to $4.80bn from $4.29bn in the corresponding period of the previous year.
The figures indicate that the growth in net forex inflow was supported not only by increased receipts but also by the substantial reduction in overall outflows.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the CBN to deepen the foreign exchange market, improve liquidity and strengthen transparency and price discovery.
The apex bank has introduced measures in recent years to encourage participation by banks and other authorised market operators, while seeking to attract more foreign exchange through official and autonomous channels.
The improved net inflow provides a stronger forex position for the economy, although sustained market stability will also depend on the consistency of inflows and demand for foreign exchange.