NGX Extends Trading Hours To Boost Market Liquidity, Investor Access

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has announced an expansion of its trading hours, extending market operations from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (WAT), effective Monday, April 27, 2026, in a move aimed at deepening liquidity, improving price discovery, and widening investor participation.

The decision, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria (SEC), shifts the opening time earlier from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and extends the closing time from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking a significant evolution in the Exchange’s trading structure.

NGX said the extended trading window would provide greater flexibility for investors, enhance responsiveness to market-moving developments, and support broader participation across the equities market.

 The move is also expected to align Nigeria’s market operations more closely with global standards.

The Exchange noted that the reform builds on recent positive developments, including Nigeria’s reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell, a milestone seen as strengthening the country’s appeal to both domestic and international investors.

According to NGX, the initiative reflects strong collaboration with regulators and underscores the SEC’s commitment to advancing reforms that promote a more accessible, transparent, and competitive capital market.

The implementation follows extensive engagement with key stakeholders to ensure operational readiness ahead of the rollout date. NGX Regulation Limited will oversee compliance and maintain market integrity during the transition, the Exchange added.

With the extended hours, NGX said it is reinforcing its position as a leading multi-asset exchange, enhancing market access and supporting efficient capital formation within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.