NGX Extends Trading Hours to 4pm as Nigerian Exchange Boosts Market Liquidity and Investor Access

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has announced an extension of its trading hours, moving operations to a new schedule of 9:00am to 4:00pm, effective Monday, April 27, 2026. The change is aimed at strengthening market liquidity, improving price discovery, and giving investors more flexibility to participate in trading activities.

The decision, approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), adjusts the previous schedule by opening the market earlier at 9:00am instead of 9:30am and extending closing time from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. According to the Exchange, the adjustment marks an important step in modernising Nigeria’s market structure in line with global standards.

The NGX described the development as a strategic reform driven by changing investor needs and the need to deepen market efficiency. It noted that the extended trading window will allow both local and international investors to respond more effectively to real-time market information, ultimately strengthening price formation and transparency.

Market stakeholders say the move could further enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness following its recent reclassification by FTSE Russell as a Frontier Market. The upgrade has already placed Nigeria on the radar of more global investors, and the NGX believes the extended hours will support increased participation and trading volumes.

The Exchange also emphasised that the reform was achieved through extensive stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth implementation. NGX Regulation Limited will oversee the transition, with a focus on maintaining orderly market operations, transparency, and investor protection throughout the process.

Overall, the NGX says the new trading schedule reinforces its ambition to position itself as a more liquid, accessible, and globally competitive exchange, supporting stronger capital formation and long-term growth in Nigeria’s financial markets.

source: punch