Nigeria's current account surplus rose sharply in the second quarter of 2026, climbing to $7.54 billion from $4.49 billion in the first quarter — an increase of roughly 68%. The Central Bank of Nigeria attributed the jump to stronger export earnings and a rise in diaspora remittances, which reached $5.82 billion for the quarter, up about 9.8% from Q1. The surplus also outpaced the equivalent period in 2025 by close to 46%. Analysts view the widening surplus as a positive signal for Nigeria's external buffers, coming as the CBN continues efforts to stabilize the foreign exchange market and rebuild reserves.
Why it matters
A stronger external position gives the CBN more room to manage FX stability, and signals growing confidence from investors and the diaspora in Nigeria's macroeconomic trajectory
