NGX Extends Trading Hours to 4pm to Boost Market Liquidity

The Nigerian Exchange Limited has announced an extension of its daily trading hours to 4:00 p.m., in a move aimed at enhancing liquidity and deepening investor participation in the capital market.

The change, disclosed in a statement, will take effect from April 27, 2026, following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under the revised schedule, the market will now open earlier at 9:00 a.m., compared to the previous 9:30 a.m., effectively expanding the trading window by 90 minutes.

The exchange said the adjustment is designed to improve market efficiency by giving investors more time to react to economic developments, corporate disclosures, and global market trends.

“The extended trading window will provide greater flexibility for investors and improve responsiveness to market-moving information,” NGX stated.

Market operators say longer trading hours are typically associated with improved price discovery and increased trading volumes, particularly in markets seeking to attract foreign investment.

The move aligns with Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell, which is expected to increase visibility among international investors and boost capital inflows.

The extension also follows extensive consultations with market stakeholders, including brokers, institutional investors, and regulators, to ensure readiness and minimise operational disruptions.

Industry analysts view the development as part of broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure and align it with global best practices.

Longer trading hours are common in more developed markets, where extended sessions allow for better integration with international time zones and faster absorption of global financial news.

The NGX noted that the reform is expected to deepen liquidity, enhance price formation, and broaden investor access across both retail and institutional segments.

It added that the initiative forms part of a phased strategy, with the possibility of further adjustments depending on market response and performance.

Experts say the success of the extended trading window will depend on factors such as investor participation, macroeconomic stability, and continued regulatory support.

The reform signals growing collaboration between regulators and market operators to strengthen Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and improve its competitiveness on the global stage.