Nigeria’s stock market recorded a major milestone on Monday as the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) crossed the 200,000-point mark for the first time, driven by strong investor demand and gains across key sectors. The surge highlights rising confidence in the capital market and sustained momentum in equities trading.
The benchmark index climbed 1.55% to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.30 points recorded in the previous trading session. The rally pushed the market into a historic territory, signalling continued investor appetite for equities despite broader economic uncertainties.
Market performance also reflected strong returns for investors. The month-to-date (MTD) return of the ASI rose to 4.48%, while the year-to-date (YTD) return reached 29.47%. Market capitalisation increased significantly to ₦129.33 trillion, compared to ₦127.36 trillion previously, as large-capitalisation stocks across major sectors drove the upward movement.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola, said the milestone demonstrates increasing confidence in Nigeria’s capital market and the impact of ongoing reforms.
“Nigeria’s ongoing reforms are strengthening domestic capital formation, and the market is responding positively,” Popoola said. “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 on the exchange also remained strong during the session. A total of 72,700 deals were recorded as investors traded 948.1 million shares valued at ₦49.15 billion, reflecting heightened activity and sustained engagement across the market.
Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, attributed the milestone to consistent demand from investors and broader participation across key sectors of the economy.
“Crossing the 200,000-point mark reflects strong investor engagement and consistent demand across key sectors,” Chiemeka said. “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 during the session were BUA Cement Plc, Premier Paints Plc, John Holt Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, and FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, while VFD Group Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc recorded declines.
