NGX All-Share Index Crosses 204,000 as Nigerian Stock Market Hits Record High Despite Lower Trading Volume

The Nigerian stock market opened the week on a positive note as the NGX All-Share Index rose to 204,458.9 points on Monday, 13 April 2026, marking a significant milestone as it crossed the 204,000 level for the first time. The session reflected a 0.34% gain from the previous trading day, signaling continued investor optimism in the equities market.

Despite the upbeat performance, trading activity slowed compared to the previous session. A total of 470 million shares were exchanged, down from 548 million shares, even as market capitalization rose to ₦131.6 trillion across 60,793 deals. Market sentiment remained largely positive, with investors still showing confidence in Nigerian equities amid a strong year-to-date return of 31.4%.

On the gainers’ chart, NGX Group and Trans Nationwide Express led the rally, each posting strong price gains of 10.00% and 9.81% respectively. However, profit-taking was evident in some counters, with Berger Paints and Academy recording notable declines of 9.95% and 9.71%, showing a mixed but active trading environment across the board.

In terms of market activity, banking and financial stocks dominated trading volume. Access Holdings led with 54.9 million shares, followed by GTCO and Zenith Bank. By value traded, Aradel Holdings topped the chart with ₦7.05 billion, while GTCO, Zenith Bank, MTN Nigeria, and Access Holdings also recorded strong transaction values, reflecting continued dominance of large-cap stocks.

Overall, the market’s upward movement was supported by strong performances from select heavyweights such as International Breweries, Nigerian Breweries, and Stanbic IBTC. Although trading volume dipped and some profit-taking emerged, the NGX closing at 204,487.8 points confirmed a historic milestone, reinforcing growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s equities market trajectory.

source: nairametrics