Currency in circulation rose to N5.73 trillion as FX inflows hit $109.86bn in 2025 - CBN

Nigeria's currency in circulation expanded to N5.73 trillion in 2025, marking an increase from N5.44 trillion the previous year, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The apex bank attributes this rise to a more dynamic economy and a growing preference for cash transactions.

In response to this demand, the CBN significantly boosted the volume of banknotes approved for printing. The bank sanctioned the printing of 5.71 billion pieces across various denominations in 2025, a substantial 20.5% jump from the 4.74 billion pieces approved in 2024. These printing contracts were divided, with 35% awarded to the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM Plc) and the remaining 65% to international high-security printers.

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The development was attributed, largely, to an increase in inflow through autonomous sources.

Simultaneously, Nigeria experienced a robust increase in foreign exchange (FX) inflows, which reached $109.86 billion in 2025, up from $96.53 billion in 2024. The CBN highlighted that this growth was predominantly fueled by autonomous inflows, rather than official channels. Inflows through autonomous sources climbed by 25.12% to $70.54 billion, constituting 64.21% of the total inflows.

The primary drivers for this surge in autonomous inflows included stronger non-oil export receipts, increased capital importation, and over-the-counter purchases. Despite a rise in FX outflows to $49.05 billion, the economy still recorded a higher net inflow of $60.81 billion for the year, indicating a positive balance in foreign exchange transactions.

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Overall, the economy recorded a higher net inflow of $60.81 billion, from $58.16 billion in 2024.