Nigeria’s foreign reserves rise to a 17‑year high of $51.03 billion amid Naira depreciation.

Nigeria’s foreign reserves have climbed to a 17‑year high of $51.03 billion, even as the naira fell sharply against the U.S. dollar.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, the naira weakened to N1,370.46 on Friday versus the U.S. dollar.

That Friday depreciation was the steepest rate change recorded in the week under review.

Analysis of the apex bank’s foreign‑exchange data shows the local currency lost N14.19 between Monday, 15 June, and Friday, 19 June 2026.

Throughout the week, the naira traded at a bearish rate in the official market—except on Monday—while foreign reserves reached $51.03 billion for the first time since 2009, as of Thursday, 18 June 2026.

On the black‑market, the naira held relatively steady, ranging between N1,395 and N1,400 per dollar during the same week.