The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) witnessed a remarkable surge in market activity in February 2026, with total turnover jumping by 78.93% month-on-month to N1.5 trillion. This represents a sharp increase from the N0.862 trillion recorded in January, signaling renewed investor confidence and heightened participation on the trading floor.
Data released by NGX shows that domestic investors were the main drivers of this growth, accounting for roughly 91% of total transactions. Domestic trades reached N1.4 trillion, while foreign investors contributed about N0.139 trillion, reflecting a slower but steady increase of 21.81% compared to January. The figures indicate a strong preference for local market involvement among Nigerian traders.
Year-on-year comparisons also point to healthy market expansion, with February 2026 turnover rising 38.15% from N1.1 trillion in February 2025. Month-on-month, domestic transactions surged 87.65%, from N0.74783 trillion in January to N1.4 trillion in February, highlighting the growing role of institutional and retail investors in shaping market trends.
Looking at the long-term performance, domestic transactions have grown 160.83% over the past 19 years, from N3.556 trillion in 2007 to N9.2 trillion in 2025. Foreign participation has recorded an even stronger percentage growth of 329.87%, from N0.616 trillion to N2.6 trillion over the same period, though domestic investors still dominate with 78% of total transactions in 2025.
Preliminary data for 2026 shows domestic trades continuing to lead the market, with N2.1512 trillion recorded so far, compared to N0.2532 trillion for foreign investors. Analysts view this trend as a positive signal for Nigeria’s capital markets, suggesting sustained local engagement and confidence in the NGX as a platform for investment growth.
source: The Guardian