NGX trading hours extension records hitch‑free debut

Business

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), says the first trading day under the newly extended market hours was smooth, with no operational hitches recorded.

The new schedule, which commenced on Monday, April 27, shifted trading hours from 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. as part of efforts to enhance market efficiency and liquidity.

Kwairanga told reporters in Lagos on Tuesday that feedback from staff confirmed the transition was seamless. “From my observation and feedback, the first day went smoothly. Operators may need a few days to adjust internal processes, but we have started a new trading era successfully,” he said.

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Vice President of Highcap Securities Ltd., Mr David Adonri, also commended the debut session, noting that all schedules were met and systems functioned appropriately.

The seven‑hour trading window is designed to modernise the exchange, allowing more time to absorb macroeconomic data, corporate disclosures, and global financial developments. It is expected to improve price discovery, enable quicker responses to new information, and create better overlap with major international markets, making it easier for foreign portfolio investors to manage positions in real time.