Trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) rose sharply in May 2025, with total transactions climbing by 45.32 per cent to ₦700.50 billion, up from ₦482.04 billion in April.

Newly released data shows that foreign portfolio transactions increased significantly during the month, with total foreign activity rising by 88.54 per cent to ₦118.91 billion, compared to ₦63.07 billion in April. The surge follows a recent decline and signals renewed interest in Nigeria’s equities market from offshore investors.

Domestic investors continued to dominate the market, accounting for 83 per cent of total trades, with a combined value of ₦581.59 billion in May. This represents a 38.81 per cent increase from April’s domestic activity of ₦418.97 billion.

Retail investor participation grew substantially in May, rising by 86.12 per cent to ₦337.46 billion, up from ₦181.31 billion the previous month. Institutional investors recorded a modest increase from ₦237.66 billion in April to ₦244.13 billion in May.

The year-to-date figures from January to May 2025 show total market transactions standing at ₦3.41 trillion. Of this, domestic participation contributed ₦2.42 trillion (70.83 per cent), while foreign investors accounted for ₦996.03 billion (29.17 per cent).

Compared to the same period in 2024, when total activity reached ₦2.25 trillion, this year’s performance reflects a marked improvement in market sentiment and investor confidence.

The NGX compiles monthly trading data from all active Trading License Holders. Analysts say the strong recovery in foreign inflows could be tied to improving macroeconomic conditions and currency stability, although some warn that sustaining the momentum will require clear policy direction and investor-friendly reforms.