Nigerian Exchange (NGX) trading activity increased during the week ended April 30, 2026, with 4.84 billion shares worth ₦287.76 billion exchanged in 332,453 deals, reflecting heightened investor participation despite the shortened four-day trading week.
The market operated for four sessions following the Federal Government’s declaration of a public holiday to mark Workers’ Day, yet turnover outperformed the previous week’s 3.81 billion shares worth ₦213.96 billion traded in 297,202 deals.
Sectoral performance data showed the Financial Services industry dominating activity, accounting for 77.56 per cent of total volume and 43.23 per cent of total value, with 3.76 billion shares traded. The Consumer Goods and Services sectors trailed, contributing significantly lower volumes and values.
Market concentration remained evident as trading in Access Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Wema Bank Plc accounted for 2.03 billion shares worth ₦60.04 billion, representing 41.85 per cent and 20.86 per cent of total volume and value, respectively.
Performance indicators reflected a broadly bullish sentiment, with the NGX All-Share Index advancing by 7.33 per cent to close at 242,277.81, while market capitalisation appreciated to ₦155.99 trillion. Gains were supported by strong rallies in key indices, including Oil and Gas, Industrial Goods, and Lotus II, which recorded double-digit growth.
However, the uptrend was not uniform across sectors. The Banking Index declined by 5.52 per cent, while the Insurance and Consumer Goods indices also recorded marginal losses, indicating selective profit-taking and sector rotation by investors.
Market breadth closed marginally positive, with 52 equities recording price appreciation compared to 53 decliners, while 41 stocks remained unchanged.
Top gainers during the week included UACN Plc, BUA Cement Plc, and Beta Glass Plc, reflecting strong investor demand in industrial and consumer-linked counters. On the downside, United Bank for Africa Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and First Holdco Plc led the decliners’ chart amid sell-offs in banking stocks.
Meanwhile, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc commenced trading in its rights issue, offering 610.44 million ordinary shares at ₦4.00 per share, with the subscription window scheduled to close on May 25, 2026.
