Best Forex Brokers In Nigeria 2024

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Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
Updated

To trade forex in Nigeria you will need to open an account with a broker. While the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversee forex trading in the country, these are not leading regulators so many residents turn to reputable global brokers.

Many of these brokerages also provide cutting-edge forex platforms and charting tools, competitive fees and a broad selection of currency pairs, so Nigerian traders can get the most out of the Naira (NGN) they deposit.

Discover our pick of the best forex brokers in Nigeria, all accepting local residents and convenient payment methods like PayPal.

10 Top Forex Brokers In Nigeria

According to our first-hand testing and exhaustive analysis, these are the best 10 forex trading platforms in Nigeria:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    IC Markets

    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  2. 2
    XTB
    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% -83% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money

    Ratings
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (EU) 1:500 (Global)
    FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC
    CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs
    xStation
    PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Paysafecard, Skrill, Credit Card, Debit Card, Maestro, Neteller
    USD, EUR, PLN
  3. 3
    Vantage
    50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme

    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.9 / 5

    $50
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds
    ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
    Skrill, BPAY, JCB Card, AstroPay, Visa, Swift, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, UnionPay, FasaPay, Sticpay, Bitwallet, Volet
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN
  4. 4
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  5. 5
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
  6. 6
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  7. 7
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account

    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5

    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
  8. 8
    Eightcap

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
  9. 9
    PrimeXBT
    $100 Deposit Bonus

    Ratings
    2.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    0 / 5
    0 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    CFDs, Cryptos, Forex, Indices, Commodities, Futures
    Own
    Bitcoin Payments, Ethereum Payments, Credit Card, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP
  10. 10
    IQ Option
    RISK WARNING: YOUR CAPITAL MIGHT BE AT RISK

    Ratings
    3 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    3 / 5
    0.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $10
    0.001 Lots
    1:500
    CFD, Forex, Crypto, Stocks, Digital Options
    Own
    Skrill, Yandex Money, QIWI, Wire Transfer, Alipay, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Credit Card, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, Maestro, Sofort, GlobePay, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, ZAR

Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons

  1. IC Markets - IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
  2. XTB - XTB provides access to 70+ currency pairs with low spreads averaging around 1 pip on majors. The xStation platform offers an intuitive environment for forex traders with an excellent charting package encompassing 30+ indicators, plus a range of order types, catering to various strategies and risk management techniques.
  3. Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
  4. AvaTrade - AvaTrade offers 50+ currency pairs with competitive spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. You can trade majors, minors and exotics around the clock on industry-leading platforms, including MT4 and MT5. Traders can also access beginner-friendly trading tools and comprehensive forex education.
  5. FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
  6. Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
  7. XM - XM offers a strong selection of currency pairs with no re-quotes or hidden charges, while spreads have come down over the years, now starting from 0.8 pips on the EUR/USD in the commission-free account.
  8. Eightcap - Eightcap offers 50+ currency pairs in line with the industry average but trailing category leaders like CMC Markets with its 300+ currency pairs. However, Eightcap stands out with institutional-level spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like the EUR/USD, alongside low $3.50/side commissions. The broker also offers rich forex data to inform trading decisions, including key fundamentals, bullish/bearish indicators and a calendar that tracks key events in the foreign exchange market.
  9. PrimeXBT - PrimeXBT offers forex trading on over 50 majors, minors and exotics with margin opportunities and zero commissions. The forex platform is fast, reliable and feature-rich based on our latest tests with 3 charts, 10 timeframes, and 91 technical studies - ideal for active trading strategies.
  10. IQ Option - IQ Option offers CFD trading on 24 forex assets, including major pairs and some minors. EU traders can access a maximum of 1:30 leverage in line with local regulations. The broker offers commission-free trades but spreads are on the high side so the brand does not excel in this area.

Best Forex Brokers In Nigeria 2024 Comparison

Best Forex Brokers In Nigeria 2024 Comparison
Broker Forex Assets EUR/USD Spread Forex App Rating Minimum Deposit Regulator
IC Markets logo
75 0.02 4.8 / 5 $200 ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
XTB logo
70+ 1.0 4.8 / 5 $0 FCA, CySEC, KNF, DFSA, FSC
Vantage logo
55+ 0.0 4 / 5 $50 FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC
AvaTrade logo
50+ 0.9 4.3 / 5 $100 ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
FOREX.com logo
80+ 1.2 4.9 / 5 $100 NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
Pepperstone logo
100+ 0.1 4.7 / 5 $0 FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
XM logo
55+ 0.8 4.7 / 5 $5 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
Eightcap logo
50+ 0.0 3.6 / 5 $100 ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
PrimeXBT logo
45+ 0.1 3 / 5 $0 -
IQ Option logo
60+ 14 pips 4.5 / 5 $10 -

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.23
EURUSD Spread0.02
EURGBP Spread0.27
Total Assets75
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.

Cons

  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.

XTB

"XTB stands out as a top choice for new day traders with the terrific xStation platform, commission-free pricing, no minimum deposit, and excellent educational tools, many of which are seamlessly integrated into the platform. "

Christian Harris, Reviewer

XTB Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread1.4
EURUSD Spread1.0
EURGBP Spread1.4
Total Assets70+
Leverage1:30 (EU) 1:500 (Global)
PlatformsxStation
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, PLN

Pros

  • currencies, cryptocurrencies, Real shares, Real ETFs, share dealing and more recently
  • XTB has boosted its interest rate on all uninvested balances (up to 5.2%) while competitors like eToro only offer up to 5% on balances of $50K+.
  • With over 6,400 instruments across CFDs on shares, Indices, ETFs, Raw Materials, Forex

Cons

  • XTB does not offer a raw spread account, which is becoming increasingly common among competitors like Pepperstone, and may disappoint day traders looking for the tightest spreads.
  • Trading fees are competitive with average spreads of around 1 pip on the EUR/USD but still trail the cheapest brokers like IC Markets, plus there's an inactivity fee after 12 months.
  • XTB discontinued support for MT4, limiting traders to its proprietary platform, xStation, potentially deterring advanced day traders familiar with the MetaTrader suite.

Vantage

"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

Vantage Quick Facts

Bonus Offer50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme
GBPUSD Spread0.5
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread0.5
Total Assets55+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN

Pros

  • The broker has recently made efforts to expand its suite of CFDs providing further trading opportunities
  • Vantage has bolstered its algorithmic trading tools for advanced traders with AutoFibo EA identifying reversal opportunities
  • There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5

Cons

  • It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
  • The average execution speeds of 100ms to 250ms are slower than alternatives based on tests
  • Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
GBPUSD Spread1.5
EURUSD Spread0.9
EURGBP Spread1.5
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • There's a great range of fee-free deposit methods, including bank wire, credit cards and popular e-wallets like Skrill
  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders

Cons

  • There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
  • There is no ECN account with raw spreads
  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
GBPUSD Spread1.3
EURUSD Spread1.2
EURGBP Spread1.4
Total Assets80+
Leverage1:400
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.

Cons

  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.

Pepperstone

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.4
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP Spread0.4
Total Assets100+
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • Pepperstone boasts impressive execution speeds, averaging around 30ms, facilitating fast order processing and execution that’s ideal for day trading.
  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.

Cons

  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
  • Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.

XM

"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
GBPUSD Spread0.8
EURUSD Spread0.8
EURGBP Spread1.5
Total Assets55+
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
  • XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.

Cons

  • XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
  • XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread0.1
EURUSD Spread0.0
EURGBP Spread0.1
Total Assets50+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.
  • Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.

Cons

  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.

PrimeXBT

"PrimeXBT is perfect for aspiring traders looking for crypto derivatives alongside traditional markets like forex and indices, all tradable on an intuitive, web-based platform. The copy trading solution is also ideal for hands-off traders with 5-star ratings and performance graphs to help you find the right trader."

William Berg, Reviewer

PrimeXBT Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$100 Deposit Bonus
GBPUSD SpreadVariable
EURUSD Spread0.1
EURGBP SpreadVariable
Total Assets45+
Leverage1:1000
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • The web platform and app were built for technical traders with advanced charting features, a customizable layout and multiple order types including one-cancels-the-other (OCO).
  • 24/7 customer support, available via live chat, proved excellent during testing, while the extensive help centre is perfect for self-help.
  • PrimeXBT has added fresh opportunities with new tokens for exchanging and funding, including 1Inch, Aave, and Injective.

Cons

  • While common in the crypto industry, PrimeXBT lacks authorization from a trusted regulator, seriously elevating the risk for retail traders.
  • The lack of integration with established platforms like MT4 will be limiting for traders familiar with the world’s most popular forex trading software.
  • Despite improvements, the selection of around 100+ instruments still seriously trails competitors, notably OKX with its 400+ assets.

IQ Option

"IQ Option is a good broker for beginners with a slick platform and low minimum investment. New users can also open an account in three easy steps."

William Berg, Reviewer

IQ Option Quick Facts

GBPUSD Spread5 pips
EURUSD Spread14 pips
EURGBP Spread15 pips
Total Assets60+
Leverage1:500
PlatformsOwn
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, ZAR

Pros

  • High payouts on binary options
  • iOS & Android compatible app
  • Excellent range of payment methods

Cons

  • €10 inactivity fee after 90 days
  • No MetaTrader 4 integration

How We Rate Forex Brokers In Nigeria

We look at the following areas when determining the top forex trading platforms:

Trust

It’s important that you sign up with a trusted forex broker to protect you from scams, which Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has warned are on the rise.

Forex traders should be double careful as many scams are run through fake investment firms. In 2024, the Nigerian SEC announced that these illegal operations had cost the public some 500 billion Naira (330 million US Dollars).

That’s why we recommend established, respected forex brokers with large customer bases and regulatory oversight from trusted bodies, such as South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). That said, local tax rules may still apply.

  • XM is trusted and regulated by multiple respected bodies, including the FSCA, the ASIC, DFSA and CySEC. With a long track record spanning 15 years, XM earns the trust of our experts alongside more than 10 million traders.

Forex Platforms

The leading forex brokers in Nigeria offer the charting platforms essential for executing short-term trades based on fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.

We look for firms with well-designed and flexible platforms that allow you to trade from a workspace that suits your needs. We also check for a good selection of in-built charting tools, indicators and order types, catering to all types of forex strategies.

Additionally, we check for value-add tools like copy trading that can help beginners learn from experienced traders, alongside support for automated trading for advanced traders.

AvaTrade Nigerian forex broker with African currency pair on trading platform
AvaTrade – Platform
  • AvaTrade’s charting options lead the pack with its intuitive in-house platform and forex app, the ever-popular MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, plus powerful proprietary social trading and risk management tools.

Currency Pairs

We recommend online brokers with a good range of currency pairs, often traded via forex CFDs. We see 40+ pairs as a decent range for most forex traders, but the top firms regularly offer 60+.

For traders in Nigeria, finding brokers with South African Rand (ZAR) pairs may be important, as this is one of the few African currencies that’s regularly offered by online forex brokers, providing opportunities to speculate on regional currencies.

  • Pepperstone offers a strong selection of currency pairs, with 90+ forex assets including ZAR paired with EUR, USD and JPY, among a good choice of majors, minors and exotics.

Trading Fees

Having competitive fees is important to maximize returns, so this is one of our priorities when testing forex trading platforms.

Most forex brokers in Nigeria will make their money from the spread – the difference between a currency pair’s bid and ask price – though some also charge a commission – a flat fee per transaction.

Table showing minimum and average spreads at IC Markets on African forex assets
IC Markets – Forex Spreads

We favor brokers that offer tight spreads on popular currency pairs since this makes it easier to profit from short-term price movements while day trading.

But we also weigh the price paid in fees against the full range of services and tools the brokerage provides to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. For example, do they offer technical summaries and insights into events affecting currency prices in Africa?

  • IC Markets is one of the lowest-cost forex brokers we’ve tested using real money. With spreads from near zero, low commissions and rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot, it delivers excellent pricing for active currency traders.

Payment Methods

We prioritize forex trading platforms with fast and affordable payment options that allow day traders to fund and empty their accounts without cutting deeply into their profits.

In Nigeria, digital payment methods have been on the rise in recent years, with mobile money users tripling to nearly 17% of the population and e-wallets like PayPal and WebMoney also popular.

We also rate forex brokers with affordable account minimums, lowering the entry barrier for online traders. You should expect to deposit between 0 and 250 USD at most top forex platforms based on our analysis, equivalent to around 0 and 400,000 NGN.

  • XTB stands out here with no minimum deposit and a great range of traditional and digital payment options that work in Nigeria, including PayPal.

Methodology

We utilized our comprehensive database of forex brokers to concentrate on those that welcome traders from Nigeria. We then ranked them according to an overall score that was determined by 100+ data points and essential criteria, such as:
DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

  • Oversight from reputed regulators, such as Nigeria’s SEC or other reliable entities.
  • A strong suite of forex pairs, such as NGN or those from nearby nations like ZAR.
  • Simplified process for depositing funds, with an emphasis on widely-used local options such as PayPal.
  • Sophisticated but intuitive charting tools for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in the foreign exchange market.
  • Favorable cost structure featuring narrow spreads, low deposit requirements, and transparency regarding additional fees.

FAQ

There are no legal restrictions banning forex trading in Nigeria, so you are free to sign up with an online broker and speculate on currency prices.

Who Regulates Forex Trading In Nigeria?

Oversight of forex trading activities falls under the purview of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria. These institutions are responsible for supervising the nation’s financial markets and establishing the regulations that forex trading platforms must adhere to.

However, the regulatory environment in Nigeria is not as robust as it is in other jurisdictions. Therefore, forex traders should proceed with caution and diligently investigate brokers before depositing funds.

How Much Money Do I Need To Start Forex Trading In Nigeria?

The amount you need to start forex trading in Nigeria depends on the broker you sign up with; some require higher amounts of $250 or more (around 400,000 Naira), while others like XTB allow you to open an account with no minimum deposit, making them attractive to newer traders.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com