Nigeria’s stock market reached a historic milestone on Monday as the NGX All-Share Index crossed the 200,000-point mark, driven by strong investor demand and widespread gains across major sectors.
The benchmark index climbed by 1.55 per cent to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.30 points recorded in the previous trading session. This performance pushed the month-to-date return to 4.48 per cent and the year-to-date return to 29.47 per cent, underscoring sustained bullish momentum in the market.
Market capitalisation also rose significantly to N129.33 trillion from N127.36 trillion, with large-cap stocks leading the rally.
Reacting to the development, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Temi Popoola, described the surge as a reflection of growing confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
“Nigeria’s ongoing reforms are strengthening domestic capital formation, and the market is responding positively. Increased participation by local investors, improving corporate fundamentals, and continued market modernisation are reinforcing the role of the capital market as a catalyst for long-term wealth creation and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Trading activity remained strong, with total deals rising to 72,700 as investors exchanged 948.1 million shares valued at N49.15 billion. Financial services stocks dominated trading volume, highlighting increased investor interest in the sector.
Also commenting, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, attributed the milestone to sustained market participation and demand.
“Crossing the 200,000-point mark reflects strong investor engagement and consistent demand across key sectors. At Nigerian Exchange Limited, we remain focused on deepening market liquidity, enhancing trading infrastructure, and ensuring efficient price discovery to support a resilient and transparent marketplace,” he said.
Top gainers for the trading session included BUA Cement Plc, Premier Paints Plc, John Holt Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, and FTN Cocoa Processors Plc.
On the losers’ chart were VFD Group Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc.
The milestone highlights the continued strength of Nigeria’s equities market, which is attracting increased participation from both domestic and institutional investors amid ongoing economic reforms.
