The Nigerian equities market continued its bullish momentum in Thursday’s trading session, adding approximately ₦406.49 billion in value as the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) climbed to 133,199.99. The Main Board asserted dominance, accounting for more than three-quarters of both trading volume and total transactions across the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Market statistics revealed that a total of 22,955 trades were executed, generating 818.4 million units in trading volume. The Main Board emerged as the epicentre of investor activity, commanding 17,028 trades (74.2%) and 618.5 million units (75.6%) of total market volume.
The Financial Services sector led activity on the Main Board with 5,502 trades involving 300.4 million units. Insurance companies were at the forefront, with 207.8 million units traded, while banking stocks added 47.1 million units, reflecting strong investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial institutions.
Consumer goods stocks also drew significant attention, recording 3,088 trades amounting to 68 million units. Nigerian Breweries led this segment with 41.1 million units, trailed by Dangote Sugar Refinery, which posted 13.5 million units.
In the Oil and Gas sector, investor interest spiked with 1,573 trades accounting for 93.3 million units. Japaul Gold & Ventures dominated the segment with 83.8 million units traded, signalling strong appetite for energy equipment and services companies.
Several equities hit the upper limit of the NGX’s daily price movement cap of 10%. FTN Cocoa Processors soared to ₦6.60, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings climbed to ₦3.00, and Sovereign Trust Insurance closed at ₦1.43. Academy Press also posted a 10% gain, finishing at ₦8.47 and underscoring resilience in the services sector.
However, volatility persisted, with notable decliners including John Holt, which dipped 10% to ₦8.10. Union Dicon Salt fell to ₦9.00, while Industrial & Medical Gases Nigeria declined by 9.89% to ₦38.25.
Blue-chip stocks joined the market rally. Guinness Nigeria gained 9.97% to close at ₦106.45, and Oando advanced 9.96% to ₦57.40. Key banking stocks also saw modest gains, with Zenith Bank rising 2.38% to ₦73.20 and Sterling Bank up 2.89% to ₦6.40.
The Growth Board, tailored for emerging companies, saw 410 trades amounting to 9.5 million units. The Initiates Limited led activity with 250 trades and 4.9 million units, followed by McNichols with 105 trades and 4.5 million units.
Meanwhile, the Alternative Securities Market (ASEM) remained subdued, recording only 8 trades involving 1,905 units, all in Juli PLC.
In the REIT and closed-end funds segment, 131 trades generated 3.8 million units, largely driven by UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust, which dominated with 106 trades. The REIT gained 8.78% to close at ₦8.05.
Market breadth remained positive, with 46 gainers outpacing 33 laggards. The agricultural sector showed strong performance, led by FTN Cocoa Processors’ rally, highlighting growing investor interest in Nigeria’s agribusiness opportunities. The services sector also held firm, posting 1,563 trades and 59.7 million units, largely from hospitality and specialty service firms. Agriculture recorded 1,877 trades totaling 29.1 million units, underpinned by active crop production players.
With investor sentiment buoyant and broad-based participation across sectors, the market continues to reflect confidence in Nigeria’s economic prospects.
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