Nigeria’s current account is projected to post a surplus of $18.81 billion in 2026, up from an estimated $16.94 billion in 2025, driven by higher export receipts and remittance inflows, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook. Analysts at the bank highlighted that improvements in oil production security and government support for non-oil sectors are key factors supporting the positive trajectory, according to the report published by nairametrics.
The bank further indicated that total export earnings are expected to rise to $58.26 billion in 2026, compared with $54.59 billion in 2025, boosted by gains in both oil and non-oil sectors. In particular, diaspora remittances and stronger foreign exchange inflows are anticipated to reinforce the external balance, according to the CBN outlook, which underscores the role of robust non-oil exports in maintaining stability.
Despite the projected surplus, the bank cautioned that rising imports, service payments, and investment income outflows could temper gains. The report notes that the services account deficit may widen due to increased business and transport services, while the primary income account is likely to remain negative because of outbound investment returns, according to analysts cited by The Guardian Nigeria. Economists observed that sustaining these gains will depend on continued export growth, import management, and the resilience of global commodity markets.
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