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By Chukwuma Umeorah
Nigeria’s capital market T+2 settlement cycle officially takes effect today resulting in shorter post-trade settlement timeline for investors. This means that transactions will now settle two business days after execution, enabling quicker access to funds and securities for investors.
This marks a major shift from the long-standing T+3 framework. The transition, which applies to all trades executed from Friday, November 28, 2025, is expected to enhance liquidity, reduce counter-party risk and strengthen overall market efficiency.
The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), which led the transition, said the move aligns Nigeria with global post-trade standards and signals improved readiness across the market ecosystem. Managing Director/CEO of CSCS, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, said the commencement of T+2 reflects months of coordinated work among key stakeholders. “The successful commencement of the T+2 settlement cycle is the product of extensive collaboration, rigorous testing, and the unwavering commitment of all market stakeholders. We are proud to lead this change at a time when efficiency and resilience are critical pillars for market competitiveness,” he stated.
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He added that the cycle change would support long-term market development. “As we embrace the T+2 framework, we are unlocking efficiencies that will shape the future of Nigeria’s capital market for years to come. This milestone sends a clear message that the Nigerian market is evolving, forward-thinking, and determined to match and surpass global benchmarks in post-trade operations.”
Ahead of today’s go-live, CSCS worked with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), exchanges, custodians, operators and trade groups to ensure operational readiness. The organisation conducted market-wide testing, systems checks and stakeholder engagements to confirm that processes were aligned with the shorter timeline.
To support the transition, CSCS said that it has provided implementation procedures and guidelines to market participants and pledged ongoing technical assistance as firms adapt to the new structure. Jalo-Waziri added that “The move to T+2 continues CSCS’s broader efforts to modernise post-trade operations and boost confidence in the Nigerian capital market and alignment with international best practices.
