The exchange rate has become a hot topic in Nigeria because of its significant fluctuations in recent years. At the end of 2021, the Naira traded at N413.84 to 1 USD. Fast forward three years, and the rate has skyrocketed to N1,544.70 to 1 USD—a staggering 273% increase.
This big change has raised the prices of many goods and services. As a result, many Nigerians are thinking about other ways to save money, like holding Dollars or cryptocurrencies, to protect their wealth.
If you are in the same boat, you’re likely wondering: Should I convert my Naira to Dollars? Is it better to hold in Dollars? And when is the right time to make that decision?
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of holding your funds in either currency and introduce alternative ways to save in USD while maintaining access to your funds for everyday expenses.
US Dollar vs Naira
The United States Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States (and a few other countries), making it one of the most recognized currencies in the world. Many individuals and businesses prefer the US dollar for international transactions because of its stability and the strength of the U.S. economy.
On the other hand, the Naira is the official currency of Nigeria. Backed by the country’s economy, which relies heavily on crude oil exports, the Naira is used for most transactions within Nigeria and remains the easiest currency for you to access locally. However, the Naira has faced significant devaluation and instability over time. For instance, its value fell from N413.84 per Dollar in 2021 to N1,544.70 per Dollar in 2024. This drop can be linked to factors like fluctuating oil prices, inflation, and foreign exchange policies.
Because of the Naira’s instability and the relative reliability of the Dollar, you might be considering holding your savings in Dollars to hedge against inflation or preserve the value of your money. While this could be beneficial, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of holding either currency before making a decision.
Why You Should Convert Your Naira to Dollars
The instability of the Naira has led many to wonder whether to hold their savings in a stable currency like the US Dollar or keep it in Naira. If you’re in this situation, here are some reasons to consider converting your Naira to Dollars:
1. Protect Against Inflation
Converting your Naira to Dollars can help protect your savings from the effects of inflation. Nigeria’s inflation rate (currently at 33.4%) has caused a steady rise in the prices of goods and services, reducing the purchasing power of the Naira.
Here’s a simple example:
Imagine you have ₦5,000 saved. A bag of milk costs ₦5,000 today. Due to inflation, the price of milk increases to ₦6,000, but your ₦5,000 savings remain unchanged. You can no longer afford the milk. Now, imagine you convert your ₦5,000 into USD at an exchange rate of ₦1,500 per USD, giving you about $3.33. If the price of milk rises to ₦6,000, you can convert your $3.33 back into Naira at the new exchange rate, and your savings will still cover the cost of milk.
Saving in a more stable currency like the Dollar can help you hedge against the unpredictable rise in prices.
2. Stability and Predictability
The Dollar offers far greater stability and predictability compared to the Naira. With the Naira’s persistent fluctuations, it can be difficult to predict how much it will be worth, even in the short term. This uncertainty can complicate saving, budgeting, and planning for future expenses. On the other hand, the Dollar’s relative stability makes it easier for you to save toward goals, plan purchases, or invest with confidence.
3. Access to Global Markets
Converting your Naira to Dollars gives you access to global markets and international transactions. Many e-commerce platforms, like Amazon or SHEIN, require payments in Dollars. Additionally, Dollars provide access to international investment opportunities, such as stock markets, real estate, or cryptocurrency platforms.
4. Better Exchange Rate for Future Conversions
Some people convert Naira to Dollars as an investment strategy. Their rationale is that the Naira will continue to depreciate, allowing them to benefit from a better exchange rate in the future.
For example:
In 2016, the exchange rate was ₦300 per Dollar. If you had converted ₦30,000 into $100 back then, you could now sell that $100 for ₦150,000, giving you a profit of ₦120,000.
This strategy can help grow your wealth over time, especially during periods of prolonged currency instability. However, consider your financial needs and risks before making any investment decision.
Why You Should Keep Your Funds in Naira
Despite the benefits of converting your Naira to Dollars, there are important reasons to hold some of your funds in Naira:
1. Ease of Transactions
The Naira is Nigeria’s official legal tender, making it the most convenient currency for everyday transactions. Whether you’re shopping for local products or paying for services, using Naira is simpler and avoids the added conversion or transaction costs that come with Dollars.
2. Accessibility
In Nigeria, the Naira is far more accessible than the US Dollar. You can withdraw it easily from banks or ATMs and use it directly for purchases without relying on exchange rates or additional processes.
3. Reduced Exchange Rate Risks
Holding your funds in Naira eliminates the risk of losing money due to unfavorable exchange rates when converting Dollars back to Naira for local transactions. If the Naira appreciates, you avoid potential losses and maintain full spending power.
4. Stability for Fixed Obligations
If you have recurring payments like rent, school fees, or utility bills that are charged in Naira, keeping funds in the local currency ensures you’re prepared without the need to calculate fluctuating exchange rates or convert your funds.
Should You Convert Your Naira to Dollars?
The decision to convert Naira to Dollars ultimately depends on your financial goals and current needs. Converting to Dollars can help you hedge against inflation and potentially lead to long-term gains, while keeping your funds in Naira offers accessibility and lower transaction risks. Before making this decision, consider the following factors:
1. Financial Goals
If you’re saving for long-term investments or looking to protect your wealth against inflation, converting to Dollars might be a better option. However, if you need liquidity for immediate expenses, like paying bills or shopping for local goods, holding your funds in Naira could make more sense due to its ease of use and accessibility.
2. Risks
Both currencies come with risks, but they differ significantly:
- Dollars: While more stable, converting to Dollars can expose you to foreign exchange losses. For instance, the exchange rate dropped from around ₦1,700 to ₦1,500 within a few months in 2024, which could lead to a devaluation of your holdings.
- Naira: Holding funds in Naira risks exposure to high inflation, further devaluation, and fluctuating purchasing power. However, it avoids the risks associated with exchange fees and currency scarcity.
Best Practices When Converting Naira to Dollar
When deciding whether to convert naira to dollar, keep the following in mind:
- Define Your Goals: Think about your financial needs—short-term or long-term—and base your decision on what aligns with your priorities.
- Study Exchange Rate Trends: Monitor fluctuations and try to convert when rates are favorable. You can use online tools to monitor exchange rate trends.
- Use Trusted Platforms: Only convert dollar to naira through secure and reliable platforms to avoid scams or unnecessary fees.
- Secure Your Transactions: Protect your transaction details to prevent loss of funds or unauthorized access.
How to Convert Your Naira to Dollars
- Through Banks: Some banks allow you to buy dollars with Naira. Although you often need to open a domiciliary account.
- Parallel Markets: Although parallel markets may offer better rates and faster transactions, they are unregulated and carries risks like scams.
- Digital Platforms: You can use digital platforms like Grey, Mular and Chipper to convert naira to dollars. They are often convenient, fast, and user-friendly with flexible options for transactions and purchases.
Protect Your Income with Mular
One major challenge people face when converting Naira to Dollars is balancing the need to hedge against inflation with the ability to access funds for local transactions. With Mular, you don’t have to choose—you can do both.
By downloading the app and signing up, you can convert Naira to USDT, a stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar, and still spend it directly as Naira. This means you can protect your money from inflation while maintaining access to it for everyday transactions like buying groceries and paying bills, giving you the best of both worlds.