Nigerian Capital Market Adopts T+1 Settlement in 6 Months, First in Africa
Updated
Updated · Markets Media · Jun 2
Nigerian Capital Market Adopts T+1 Settlement in 6 Months, First in Africa
3 articles · Updated · Markets Media · Jun 2
Nigeria officially began T+1 trade settlement at a Lagos ceremony, completing a shift from T+2 and becoming Africa’s first market to adopt the faster cycle.
The shorter timeline is meant to speed transactions, cut counterparty and settlement risk, improve liquidity efficiency, and align the market with global post-trade standards.
Six months of coordinated work by regulators, exchanges, depositories, custodians, registrars and brokers underpinned the transition, which officials said showed the post-trade system was operationally ready.
SEC, NGX Group and CSCS executives cast T+1 as a milestone rather than an endpoint, part of a broader push to deepen liquidity, strengthen investor confidence and attract global capital.
By adopting T+1 ahead of the EU, is Nigeria making a strategic play to become Africa's premier financial hub?
Nigeria's market now settles trades faster than Europe's. What hidden risks accompany this record-breaking speed?
Nigeria Leads Africa with T+1 Settlement Cycle: Transforming Market Efficiency and Investor Confidence
Overview
On June 1, 2026, Nigeria's capital market became the first in Africa to adopt a T+1 settlement cycle, reducing the time to settle equity and commodity trades from two days to just one. This major step was achieved through the collaboration of the SEC, CSCS, and NGX, and brings Nigeria in line with global best practices. The move enhances post-trade efficiency, significantly lowers counterparty risk, and boosts investor confidence. By joining other leading markets like the US and India in this faster settlement regime, Nigeria strengthens its position as a modern, attractive destination for investors.