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Investing Guide

Best Stockbrokers in Nigeria 2026 — Complete Guide

📅 February 17, 2026 ✍️ NGX Pulse Team ⏱️ 12 min read

Finding the right stockbroker is the single most important decision you'll make as a Nigerian investor. The wrong broker costs you money in fees, frustrates you with poor platforms, and can even put your capital at risk.

This guide covers all 24 SEC-licensed stockbrokers on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), ranked and compared so you can make an informed decision — whether you're investing ₦50,000 or ₦50 million.

Quick Comparison: Top Nigerian Stockbrokers

CategoryBest PickWhy
Best OverallCardinalStoneLow fees + strong platform
Best for BeginnersChakaLow minimum + easy app
Best Mobile AppBambooClean UI + fractional shares
Best for Active TradersARM SecuritiesRobust tools + research
Best Low FeesMeristemCompetitive commission rates
Best Full-ServiceStanbic IBTCBank-backed + wide coverage

Compare All 24 Brokers

See every broker side-by-side with our interactive comparison tool.

View All Brokers →

What to Look for in a Nigerian Stockbroker

1. Commission Rate

Nigerian brokers typically charge between 1.2% and 1.8% per transaction. On top of that, there are mandatory regulatory fees — a 0.3% SEC fee and a 0.3% NGX fee on every trade.

2. Minimum Account Balance

Some brokers require ₦500,000 to open. Others accept as little as ₦1,000. If you're starting out, this is critical.

3. Trading Platform Quality

Do they have a mobile app? Is it reliable? Can you see real-time prices?

4. SEC and NGX Licensing

Only invest with brokers licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria. All brokers on NGX Pulse are fully licensed.

The Best Nigerian Stockbrokers in 2026

1. CardinalStone Securities — Best Overall

Commission: 1.2% Min: ₦50,000

Lowest commission among full-service brokers with excellent research and reliable platform.

2. Chaka — Best for Beginners

Commission: 1.26% Min: ₦5,000

Open account in 10 minutes, fund with as little as ₦5,000. Also offers US stocks.

3. Bamboo — Best Mobile Experience

Commission: 1.8% Min: ₦5,000

Cleanest app interface. Pioneered fractional share investing in Nigeria.

4. ARM Securities — Best for Active Traders

Commission: 1.32% Min: ₦100,000

Professional-grade tools, advanced charting, and institutional-quality research.

5. Meristem — Best Value

Commission: 1.26% Min: ₦20,000

Reliable, affordable, and been around for over a decade.

6. Stanbic IBTC — Best Full-Service

Commission: 1.48% Min: ₦100,000

Bank-backed with seamless banking integration. Premium service for serious wealth.

Understanding Nigerian Brokerage Fees

FeeRatePaid To
Broker Commission1.2% – 1.8%Your broker
SEC Fee0.3%SEC Nigeria
NGX Fee0.3%Nigerian Exchange
CSCS Fee0.003%Central Securities Clearing System
Stamp Duty0.075%Federal Government

Total minimum cost per trade: approximately 1.9% – 2.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nigerian stockbroker has the lowest fees?

CardinalStone at 1.2%. Chaka and Meristem both charge 1.26%.

Can I open a Nigerian stock brokerage account online?

Yes. Chaka and Bamboo offer fully digital account opening. You'll need your BVN, valid ID, and a selfie.

What is the minimum amount to invest in Nigerian stocks?

As low as ₦5,000 with Chaka. Share prices range from under ₦1 to over ₦500.

Is my money safe with Nigerian stockbrokers?

All brokers on this list are SEC-licensed. Your shares are held in your name by CSCS, meaning they're protected even if your broker goes bankrupt.

💡 The bottom line: New to investing? Start with Chaka. Want the best rates? Go with CardinalStone. Love mobile trading? Choose Bamboo.

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