Nigeria’s stock market recorded an unprecedented rally yesterday, with the NGX all-share index (ASI) crossing the 200,000-point mark, buoyed by strong investor demand and broad-based gains across key sectors.

The benchmark index rose 1.55 per cent to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.3 points in the previous trading session. This brings the month-to-date (MTD) return of the ASI to 4.48 per cent and the year-to-date (YTD) return to 29.47 per cent, reflecting strong market momentum.

Market capitalisation expanded to N129.33 trillion, up from N127.36 trillion recorded on Friday, representing N2 trillion gain, as large-cap stocks led gains across the market.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola, described the milestone as a sign 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.”

Trading activity remained robust, with total deals rising to 72,700 while investors exchanged 948.1 million shares valued at N49.15 billion. Financial services stocks dominated transactions by volume, reflecting heightened investor interest in the sector.

Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, attributed the milestone to sustained demand and active participation across the market. “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.”

Among the top gainers for the session were BUA Cement Plc, Premier Paints Plc, John Holt Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, and FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, while decliners included VFD Group Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc.

The latest milestone highlights the sustained momentum in Nigeria’s equities market, which continues to attract growing interest from both domestic and institutional investors.

At the close of trading yesterday, market breadth was positive, with 38 advancing stocks surpassing 31 declining counters.

BUA Cement recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N297.
Premier Paints followed with a gain of 9.79 per cent to close at N21.30, while John Holts rose by 9.52 per cent to close at N10.35 kobo.

Guinea Insurance went up by 9.38 per cent to close at N1.40, while Fortis Global Insurance up by 9.32 per cent to close at N1.29 kobo.

On the other hand, VFD Group led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N11.25. Royal Exchange followed with a decline of 9.63 per cent to close at N1.69, while Omatek Ventures declined by 9.62 per cent to close at N2.35 kobo.

Sovereign Trust Insurance depreciated by 9.00 per cent to close at N1.92, while Regency Alliance Insurance declined by 8.94 per cent to close at N1.12 kobo.

Also, the total volume rose by 60.43 per cent to 948.212 million units, valued at N49.173 billion, and exchanged in 72,735 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Sovereign Trust Insurance topped the activity chart with 72.564 million shares valued at N147.12 million.
Access Holdings followed with 69.856 million shares worth N1.759 billion, while First HoldCo traded 67.031 million shares valued at N3.354 billion.

Zenith Bank traded 59.953 million shares valued at N5.957 billion, while Nigerian Breweries sold 55.029 million shares worth N4.032 billion.