Nigeria’s external reserves have increased by $7.09 billion from January 2026 2026, reaching $52.66 billion as of August 19, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to the date, the growth represents a 15.6% expansion in less than eight months, up from $45.57 billion recorded on January 2, 2026.
Experts say this development strengthens the central bank’s external buffer, giving monetary authorities additional firepower to stabilize the local currency and absorb external economic shocks.
The data showed that the reserves dipped by $855 million between April 1 and May 7, falling from $49.18 billion to a period low of $48.33 billion.
Since hitting that low in May, the reserves have rebounded strongly, gaining $4.33 billion over the past three months.
The balance crossed the $50 billion mark in early June, reached $51.06 billion by June 19, and broke past $52 billion in July.
From $51.94 billion on August 3, the reserve balance added approximately $715 million in under three weeks to close at $52.66 billion on August 19.
The buildup in external reserves has coincided with improved foreign exchange liquidity and a stronger naira in recent months.
The naira traded around N1,346.90/$ at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) as of August 21, according to recent market data.
