Nigeria recorded a current-account surplus of $7.54 billion in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 67.9 per cent increase from the $4.49 billion recorded in the first quarter, according to preliminary Central Bank of Nigeria data reported by Proshare.
The improvement was driven largely by stronger external trade performance, with Nigeria recording a $10.12 billion surplus in goods trade during the quarter. Total exports stood at $20.08 billion, including $9.39 billion from crude oil, $3.63 billion from natural gas and $3.94 billion from refined petroleum products.
The figures provide an indication of stronger external-sector performance during the period, as export earnings exceeded the country’s payments for imports and other current-account transactions.
Nigeria also recorded significant inflows from personal transfers. CBN balance-of-payments data showed that Nigerians abroad sent $11.12 billion in personal transfers during the first half of 2026, with $5.30 billion recorded in the first quarter and another $5.82 billion in the second quarter.
The rise in the current-account surplus comes as investors continue to monitor Nigeria’s foreign-exchange position, external reserves and the stability of the naira.
Analysts will also be watching whether the stronger external balance can be sustained through continued export growth, improved oil production and steady foreign-exchange inflows.
The latest figures add to a series of developments in Nigeria’s financial markets this week, including the naira trading around ₦1,329.80 per dollar at the official market on September 22.
