Nigeria has always been a significant economic power on the African continent. It is the largest oil exporter in Africa, and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), projected Real GDP growth is forecast to be 2.9% for 2024. The population of Nigeria exceeds 202 million, and the World Bank states that it also has one of the largest youth populations in the world.

The economic downturn brought about by the Covid pandemic has also put pressure on Nigeria, its economy, inflation, and employment. The Nigerian Naira has declined since 2020 versus the US Dollar by 18.5%, and many individuals in Nigeria, especially the young unemployed, have begun to explore forex trading as another avenue to generate income.

In October 2021 Nigeria launched their own CBDC, a digital version on their currency – the eNaira. The main aim is to help transition Nigeria towards a cashless economy. However the road towards that lofty goal looks to be a long one as adoption rates of the Nigerian CBDC are very low.

Forex Trading in Nigeria

Forex trading in Nigeria may be a relatively new activity in the country, but it is witnessing a rise in popularity. Forex brokers in Nigeria are now abundant, but trading foreign currency pairs involves high risk. It is not easy, and it is not for everyone. Choosing a safe broker with a good reputation that complies with regulations from a respected regulatory organization is paramount. We have made your selection task easier by providing a list of the best forex brokers available in Nigeria today.

Is it Legal to Trade Forex in Nigeria?

For individuals, forex trading is legal in Nigeria as long as a reputable broker is chosen that adheres to the central bank’s guidelines. Since regulatory oversight is light by industry standards, it is imperative that a trader chooses a safe and secure broker. It is also important to remember that income from forex trading is taxable, so be sure to check with your tax professional.

Forex trading in Nigeria may be a new phenomenon, but the brokerage industry has taken note, and a multitude of global forex brokers will seek your patronage. Unfortunately, a subset of these brokers may not be your best choice for a business partner, often resorting to fraud or unfair business practices. Take your time and choose wisely from the list below.

Forex Regulation in Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria is the national regulator responsible for the foreign exchange industry; however, it only establishes minimum requirements for brokers to follow when providing services to Nigerian residents. Unlike the UK’s Financial Control Authority (FCA), the Central Bank of Nigeria does not have heavy regulatory oversight. However, Nigerian residents are allowed to open accounts with brokers that are regulated elsewhere.

To find a safe and secure broker, it is best to choose one regulated by a “Top Tier” regulator. These organizations include the FCA, CySEC, ASIC, and the CFTC in the US. Due to stiff regulations in these regions, many global brokers attempt to bypass these rules by offering exaggerated marketing terms to get your attention. Fraud is highly probable when dealing with a broker that does not adhere to strict forex trading regulations.

How to Start Forex Trading in Nigeria

If you are a newcomer to the field of forex trading, there is a recommended learning process for all beginners. It requires patience and a willingness to prepare for the risks involved before you open your first trading position in real-time with real money. Awareness is vital, which requires a broad understanding of how the forex market operates, what a broker provides, and information related to the fundamental and technical aspects of foreign currency trading.

The steps to get started are sequenced below:

Preparation: There is much to learn before you put your money at risk. Information can range from charts and technical indicators to risk management techniques that will protect your capital and allow you to trade even after a losing streak. Your goal is to learn how to move the odds in your favour to win consistently.
Choose a Broker: You are now aware enough to be able to choose a safe and secure broker that will support your trading experience. Your best bet will be to partner with a highly regulated broker with an excellent industry reputation. The best ones will give you access to a free demo system to evaluate their trading platform and products and to learn how to trade before investing real money.
Open and Fund an Account: Each broker will provide an easy path for opening an account, and most will offer several ways to fund the account. Check with your local banker to determine which payment method will work best for you.
Develop a Strategy: Successful traders always approach the market in a disciplined fashion using a carefully thought-out strategy. Get comfortable with the types of trading orders on hand and how to open and close a position. Veterans spend hours on free demo systems perfecting their step-by-step strategies before putting real money on the line. A good broker will help you develop this strategy, so choose wisely.
Make Your First Trade: The best advice is to start with a small amount of money and build confidence before risking higher sums. Monitor your position and accept that in the forex market, there is always another opportunity around the corner.

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The Best Forex Brokers in Nigeria

Select a safe and secure forex broker since cross-border fraud remains a problem in this industry. A licensed broker that complies with a strict regulator will be your best choice, and we have prepared this list of the best forex brokers in Nigeria to guide you.

Broker	Features	Regulator	Platforms	Next Step
Between 74-89% of CFD traders lose Founded: 2010 Between 74-89 % of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs	Low trading costs Great market flow Research and analysis which helps spot trades Wide range of Copy and Social Trading options Limited range of non-forex markets Read Pepperstone Review	ASIC, FCA	MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader	Sign Up OPEN FREE DEMO ACCOUNT Read Pepperstone Review
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2006 Europe* CFDs ar...	Multi-asset broker offering a wide variety of markets Strong regulatory framework Innovative risk management tools Choice of market-leading platforms Wide spreads on some markets Expiry date on Demo Accounts Read AvaTrade Review	ASIC, FSA, FSB, MiFID	MetaTrader4, Sirix, AvaOptions, AvaTrader, Mirror Trader	Sign Up OPEN FREE DEMO ACCOUNT Read AvaTrade Review
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2014	User-friendly platform with great trade-analysis tools Leverage Up To 1:500 Spreads as low as 0.00 pips Quality trade execution thanks to high-spec IT infrastructure $0 minimum account opening balance 26,000 tradeable instruments Not available in all jurisdictions Regulatory infrastructure Read BlackBull Review	FSPR	MT4	Sign Up OPEN FREE DEMO ACCOUNT Read BlackBull Review
Your capital is at risk Founded: 2009, 2015, 2017	Low minimum deposit Super- tight bid-offer spreads Impressive trading platforms Tier-1 regulators Difficult to contact tech support No Crypto Read XM Group Review	ASIC, CySEC, IFSC	MT4 Terminal, MT4 for Mac, Web Trader, iPhone/iPad Trader, Droid Trader, Mobile Trader, MT5	Sign Up OPEN FREE DEMO ACCOUNT Read XM Group Review

Summary

Forex trading in Nigeria is increasing in popularity among the people. The brokerage industry has responded by offering Nigerian consumers a great deal of choice when choosing a forex broker. Forex trading, however, involves high risk.

Selecting a safe and secure broker from the multitude of offerings in the marketplace can be daunting. To help, we have continually reviewed the brokerage industry and arrived at our list of the Best-of-the-Best. Each broker listed is worthy of your consideration.

Forex Brokers in Nigeria