The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have called for sustained efforts to grow Nigeria’s capital market towards a N750 trillion market capitalisation target, following a series of reforms and developments aimed at strengthening investor confidence and expanding access to investment opportunities.

The two professional bodies said the Nigerian capital market recorded significant milestones in 2026, including adopting a T+1 settlement cycle, introducing the National Savings Scheme, launching the Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan 2.0, and securing international recognition for the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).

In a joint congratulatory message signed by the 14th President and Chairman of Council of CIS, Dr Fiona Ahimie, and Chairman of ASHON, Sehinde Adenagbe, the organisations said the developments reflected regulators’, market operators’, and other stakeholders’ commitment to improving market competitiveness.

They urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum by strengthening market infrastructure, broadening retail investor participation and ensuring that the benefits of capital market growth translate into increased investment, business expansion and employment generation.

The organisations commended the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its regulatory leadership and efforts to deepen the market, mobilise domestic savings and advance the N750 trillion market capitalisation target.

They also praised the Federal Ministry of Finance for working with the SEC and other stakeholders to develop and launch the National Savings Scheme, which they said could encourage a savings culture, promote financial inclusion and channel more domestic funds into productive investments.

However, they stressed that effective implementation, sustained institutional cooperation and public awareness would be necessary to ensure that the scheme achieves its objectives.

The adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle on June 1, 2026, was also identified as a major step in developing Nigeria’s capital market.

The shorter settlement period, which reduces the time between executing a securities transaction and settling it, is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce counterparty exposure, and enable investors to deploy funds more quickly.

According to CIS and ASHON, the reform also brings Nigeria’s market infrastructure closer to international standards and reinforces efforts to improve the ease of investing in the country.

The two bodies also described the initial public offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a significant development, demonstrating the capital market’s capacity to support large-scale capital raising while giving members of the public opportunities to participate in wealth creation.

They noted that extending the offer period to October 27, 2026, would give prospective investors more time to consider the investment opportunity.

They emphasised the importance of stockbrokers and digital investment platforms in widening access to the offer, particularly among retail investors who increasingly depend on technology to participate in the market.

CIS and ASHON also welcomed Nigeria’s return to FTSE Russell Frontier Market status, saying improvements in market accessibility, foreign exchange liquidity, capital repatriation and regulatory transparency could strengthen the country’s attractiveness to international investors.

They added that banking sector recapitalisation, the growth of digital investment platforms, improvements in market infrastructure and increasing attention to sustainable finance were helping to expand the capacity of the capital market to support economic development.

The organisations gave special recognition to stockbrokers and securities dealing firms for their roles in connecting investors with investment opportunities, providing professional advice and facilitating transactions across the market.