How to buy stocks in Nigeria
Everything Navig deliberately doesn't do — explained, so you can do it confidently with a regulated broker.
What a stockbroker is — and why you need one
You can't walk up to the Nigerian Exchange and buy shares directly. Trades are routed through SEC-regulated brokers who hold a licence to transact on the exchange. The broker takes your order, executes it on the NSE, and updates your share register.
What a CSCS number is
The is Nigeria's electronic share register. Every Nigerian investor has a unique CSCS number — your broker opens one for you when you onboard. It's how the system knows the shares belong to you.
How NSE trade settlement works
When you buy a stock, the trade is matched on the . Settlement happens on T+3 — three working days after the trade — when funds and shares actually change hands through CSCS. Until then, the trade is matched but not yet final.
What to expect when opening a brokerage account
You'll need a valid ID (NIN, driver's licence, or international passport), proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement), a passport photo, and your bank details. Most Nigerian brokers complete onboarding in 1–3 business days. Funding the account is a separate step — usually a bank transfer.
How to verify a broker is SEC-registered
Visit sec.gov.ng and use the registered firms search. Never invest through a broker who can't provide a current SEC registration number. If a broker pressures you to invest urgently or guarantees specific returns, walk away.