Kayode Tokede
In a move designed to deepen market liquidity, enhance price discovery, and broaden investor access, the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday announced the expansion of its trading hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (WAT).
A statement issued by the Head, Group Communications and Partnerships, NGX, Mr. Clifford Akpolo stated that the trading hours take effect from Monday, 27 April 2026.
According to the statement, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the extension as trading activities on NGX shifts its opening earlier from “9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and extends the close from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking a significant evolution in the Exchange’s market structure.
“The extended trading window will provide greater flexibility for investors, improve responsiveness to market-moving information, and support broader participation across the market.
He added,“The development builds on the momentum of Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell, reinforcing NGX’s global positioning and enhancing its attractiveness to a broader pool of domestic and international investors.
“This reform reflects strong regulatory collaboration and underscores the Securities and Exchange Commission’s continued commitment to advancing market development initiatives. Alongside Nigeria’s Frontier Market reclassification, it signals a deliberate shift towards a more accessible, liquid, and globally competitive market.”
The statement added that the implementation follows extensive stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment and operational readiness ahead of the go-live date. NGX Regulation Limited will continue to provide robust oversight to support a smooth and orderly transition, while maintaining high standards of transparency and investor protection.
“With this development, NGX reinforces its position as a leading multi-asset exchange, deepening liquidity, improving market access, and supporting efficient capital formation within Nigeria’s financial markets,” the statement added.
This development comes on the heels of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange ( considering the introduction of 24-hour trading to align with global market trends.
Across the globe, stock exchanges are extending their trading hours to cater to retail investors who trade via smartphones.
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