Nigeria’s Capital Market Accelerates: SEC Announces T+2 Settlement
Atume Terfa
Nigeria’s capital market is stepping into a new era of speed and efficiency as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) officially announces the transition to a T+2 settlement cycle, effective Friday, November 28, 2025.
This means trades will now settle two business days after execution, down from the previous three-day (T+3) timeline.
The move is designed to give investors quicker access to funds, boost market liquidity, and reduce counter-party risk, aligning Nigeria with global best practices. Market operators and regulators believe the change will enhance confidence and attract more participants to the equities market.
The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), which handles trade clearing and settlement, has conducted extensive testing with brokers, custodians, and other stakeholders. According to the SEC, all trials were completed successfully without issues, confirming the market is ready for the faster cycle.
Trades executed on November 28 will now settle by December 2, while any transactions prior to the transition date will remain under the old T+3 system.
For Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, this is more than just a technical adjustment. The T+2 settlement signals a maturing market infrastructure, a stronger push toward global competitiveness, and a step forward in building a more responsive and investor-friendly capital market.
