Nigeria’s Net Foreign Exchange Reserve (NFER) as of the end of 2024 stood at $23.11 billion, the highest level in over three years, reflecting a substantial improvement in the country’s external liquidity, reduced short-term obligations, and renewed investor confidence.
A statement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the increase marked an increase from $3.99 billion at year-end 2023, $8.19 billion in 2022, and $14.59 billion in 2021.
NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as FX swaps and forward contracts, is widely regarded as a more accurate indicator of the foreign exchange buffers available to meet immediate external obligations.
Gross external reserves also increased to $40.19 billion, compared to $33.22 billion at the close of 2023.
The increase in reserves reflects a combination of strategic measures undertaken by the CBN, including a deliberate and substantial reduction in short-term foreign exchange liabilities – notably swaps and forward obligations.
CBN also said the strengthening was spurred by policy actions to rebuild confidence in the FX market and increase reserve buffers, along with recent improved foreign exchange inflows, particularly from non-oil sources.
The result is a stronger and more transparent reserves position that better equips Nigeria to withstand external shocks.
The expansion occurred even as the CBN continues to reduce short-term liabilities, thereby improving the overall quality of the reserve position.
“This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability,” Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, commented. “We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms.”
Reserves have continued to strengthen in 2025. While the first quarter figures reflected some seasonal and transitional adjustments, including significant interest payments on foreign-denominated debt, underlying fundamentals remain intact, and reserves are expected to continue improving over the second quarter of this year.
Going forward, the CBN said it anticipates a steady uptick in reserves, underpinned by improved oil production levels, and a more supportive export growth environment expected to boost non-oil FX earnings and diversify external inflows.
“The CBN remains committed to prudent reserve management, transparent reporting, and macroeconomic policies that support a stable exchange rate, attract investment, and build long-term resilience,” the statement added.
