NGX All-Share Index hits 201000 for the first time as Nigeria’s stock market rally adds nearly ₦2tn to investor wealth amid strong demand

The Nigerian Exchange All-Share Index (NGX ASI) crossed the 201,000-point threshold for the first time on Monday, marking a historic milestone as sustained buying interest lifted the benchmark index and added nearly ₦2 trillion to investors’ wealth.

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The benchmark index rose by 1.55 per cent to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.30 points recorded in the previous trading session.

Market capitalisation also climbed to ₦129.329 trillion from ₦127.360 trillion, representing a gain of about ₦1.97 trillion as investors responded to strong demand across key sectors.

The rally reflected continued bullish sentiment in the equities market. With the surge, the market’s month-to-date return advanced to 4.48 per cent, while the year-to-date return strengthened to 29.47 per cent.

Trading data showed broad participation, with 38 stocks closing higher compared with 30 decliners, underscoring widespread buying interest across the market.

BUA Cement Plc led the gainers’ chart after rising by 10 per cent to close at ₦297. Premier Paints Plc followed with a 9.79 per cent gain to ₦21.30, while John Holt Plc climbed 9.52 per cent to settle at ₦10.35 per share.

Other notable performers included Guinea Insurance Plc, which advanced by 9.38 per cent to ₦1.40, and Fortis Global Insurance Plc, which rose by 9.32 per cent to close at ₦1.29.

On the losers’ chart, VFD Group Plc declined by 10 per cent to close at ₦11.25. Royal Exchange Plc dropped by 9.63 per cent to ₦1.69, while Omatek Ventures Plc fell by 9.62 per cent to end the session at ₦2.35 per share.

Further losses were recorded by Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, which shed nine per cent to close at ₦1.92, and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc, which slipped by 8.94 per cent to ₦1.12.

Trading activity remained robust throughout the session. Total deals rose to 72,735 as investors exchanged 948.2 million shares valued at ₦49.17 billion.

Financial services stocks dominated transactions by volume, reflecting heightened investor appetite in the sector.

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc recorded the highest volume with 72.56 million shares traded, accounting for 7.65 per cent of the day’s total volume.

Zenith Bank Plc posted the highest value of transactions at ₦5.96 billion, representing 12.11 per cent of total market value traded.

Reacting to the milestone, Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, described the development as a clear sign of rising confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

“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.”

Also commenting, Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Ltd., attributed the historic rise to sustained demand and strong investor participation across sectors.

“Crossing the 200,000-point mark reflects strong investor engagement and consistent demand across key sectors,” Chiemeka said.

“At the Nigerian Exchange Ltd., we remain focused on deepening market liquidity, enhancing trading infrastructure, and ensuring efficient price discovery to support a resilient and transparent marketplace.”

Also read: NGX market capitalisation surges on strong blue-chip demand

Market analysts say the milestone underscores the powerful momentum building in Nigeria’s equities market as domestic and institutional investors increasingly position themselves for long-term opportunities.