Nigeria recorded a significant increase in foreign exchange (FX) inflows in 2025, with total receipts rising to $109.86 billion, representing a 13.81 per cent increase from $96.53 billion recorded in 2024, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The figures, contained in the apex bank’s 2025 Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, showed that stronger autonomous foreign exchange inflows—particularly from non-oil exports and capital importation—were the major drivers of the improvement.

The CBN disclosed that total forex outflows also increased during the period, rising by 27.83 percent to $49.05 billion from $38.37 billion in 2024.

Despite the increase in outflows, Nigeria maintained a positive external position, posting a net forex inflow of $60.81 billion, slightly higher than the $58.16 billion recorded in the previous year.

According to the report, autonomous sources accounted for 64.21 percent of total forex inflows, underscoring the growing role of market-driven foreign exchange sources in supporting liquidity.

Autonomous forex inflows climbed by 25.12 percent to $70.54 billion from $56.38 billion in 2024, while inflows through the CBN declined marginally.

“Forex inflow through the Bank decreased by 2.08 per cent to US$39.32 billion and accounted for 35.8 per cent of total inflow,” the apex bank stated.

The economy recorded a net inflow of $54.28 billion through autonomous channels, compared with $50.24 billion in 2024, while the CBN generated a net inflow of $6.52 billion.

Economic analysts say the latest figures indicate that Nigeria is gradually reducing its dependence on official foreign exchange sources, although sustaining the momentum will require continued structural reforms.

Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the growing contribution of autonomous inflows reflects renewed investor confidence and stronger non-oil foreign exchange earnings.

According to him, increased capital importation and export diversification are encouraging developments that could help improve forex market liquidity and reduce pressure on the naira over time.