Nigeria’s Transition to T+2 Settlement Cycle

Faster, Safer, and More Efficient Capital Markets – Effective 28th November 2025

About the Transition

The Securities & Exchanges Commission (SEC) has reviewed and approved for Nigeria’s capital market to transition from the current T+3 (Trade Date plus three days) settlement cycle to a T+2 (Trade Date plus two days) settlement cycle, effective November 28th, 2025. This means that securities and funds from trades will be settled within two business days after a transaction is executed, rather than the current three business days.

By reducing the time between trade execution and settlement, Nigeria’s market becomes more competitive, liquid, and resilient.

This upgrade reflects the commitment of regulators, exchanges, and financial institutions to modernize Nigeria’s capital markets, improving investor confidence and reducing risks associated with delayed settlements.

What is T+2?

T+2 is the settlement cycle where the completion of a securities trade, including the transfer of ownership and payment, occurs two business days after the trade is executed. For example, a trade executed on Monday (Trade Day) will be settled by Wednesday (Trade Day + 2 Business Days).

Here’s how it works:

Trade Day (T): A trade is carried out (e.g., an investor buys shares on Monday).

Settlement Day (T+2): The transaction is completed – cash is exchanged, and securities are delivered by the second business day after the trade (in this case, Wednesday).

Rationale for reducing the settlement cycle

Nigeria is adopting the T+2 settlement cycle to:

Align with global standards: Major financial markets already use a T+2 or faster cycle for settlement of capital market transactions.
Improve market liquidity: Faster settlement reduces counterparty risk and frees up capital quicker for reinvestment.
Enhance investor confidence: A shorter cycle minimizes price fluctuations and uncertainties between trade and settlement, thus boosting investor confidence.
Boost competitiveness: Attracts more foreign and domestic investors by meeting international standards and increasing operational efficiency.

Key Benefits for Investors

The transition to T+2 settlement brings significant advantages to all players in Nigeria’s capital markets—enhancing efficiency, reducing risks, and improving overall market confidence. Below are the key benefits for different market participants: