The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has expanded its trading window to seven hours (9:00am to 4:00pm) WAT, effective from Monday, 27 April 2026, in a move designed to deepen market liquidity, enhance price discovery, and broaden investor access.

Previously, the market opens for four hours and thirty minutes, opening by 9:30am and closing 2:00pm.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, the expansion marks a significant evolution in the Exchange’s market structure.

In a statement at the weekend, the NGX said, “The expanded trading window will provide greater flexibility for investors, improve responsiveness to market-moving information, and support broader participation across the market”. 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.

NGX added, “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”.