started · updated
Nigeria to regain FTSE Russell Frontier Market status in September 2026
FTSE Russell has confirmed that Nigeria will be reclassified from “Unclassified” to “Frontier Market” status, effective from the market open on September 21, 2026. This move marks Nigeria's return to the global Frontier Market index after being removed in September 2023 due to challenges regarding foreign exchange liquidity and the repatriation of capital.
The decision follows an assessment by the FTSE Equity Country Classification Advisory Committee, which found no material settlement, operational, or funding issues following Nigeria's transition to a T+1 settlement cycle in June 2026. The reclassification is expected to increase the visibility of Nigerian equities and attract greater participation from international institutional investors and passive asset managers.
In response to the announcement, the Nigerian stock market ended an 11-session losing streak on Thursday, August 27. The NGX All-Share Index rose 0.20% to 239,156.09 points, while market capitalization increased by approximately N305.56 billion to N154.44 trillion. The rebound was primarily driven by major banking stocks, including FirstHoldCo, Access Holdings, and UBA.
Entities
Bola Ahmed Tinubu · Central Bank of Nigeria · City Boy Movement · FTSE Russell · Nigeria · Nigerian Exchange Group · Securities and Exchange Commission
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Nigerian stock market ended an 11-session losing streak on Thursday, August 27. marketnewsng.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng · nairametrics.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The reclassification follows the implementation of a T+1 settlement cycle on June 1, 2026. www.premiumtimesng.com · www.riotimesonline.com · nairametrics.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] FirstHoldCo shares gained 4.65% to close at N135. marketnewsng.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] The NGX All-Share Index rose 0.20% to close at 239,156.09 points on Thursday, August 27. marketnewsng.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng
- [● 3 SOURCES] The FTSE Equity Country Classification Advisory Committee found no material settlement, operational, or funding issues with the T+1 cycle. thepodiummedia.com · www.premiumtimesng.com · businessday.ng
- [● 2 SOURCES] Market capitalization increased by approximately N305.56 billion to N154.44 trillion. marketnewsng.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng
- [● 12 SOURCES] FTSE Russell will reclassify Nigeria from Unclassified to Frontier Market status effective September 21, 2026. marketnewsng.com · thepodiummedia.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng · economicconfidential.com · newtelegraphng.com · +7 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Nigeria was previously removed from the Frontier Market index in September 2023 due to foreign exchange and capital repatriation issues. economicconfidential.com · newtelegraphng.com · www.riotimesonline.com · www.thisdaylive.com · tribuneonlineng.com · +2 more