Nigeria’s stock market recorded a strong performance last week, with trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) rising sharply to N287.75 billion. A total of 4.84 billion shares were exchanged in 332,453 deals between Monday and Thursday, reflecting increased investor participation despite the shortened trading week due to the Workers’ Day public holiday observed on Friday.
The latest figures represent a notable jump from the previous week, when 3.80 billion shares worth N213.95 billion were traded. This marks a 34.49 percent increase in total market value, signaling renewed confidence among investors. Market capitalisation also surged by 7.33 percent, climbing from N145.33 trillion to N155.99 trillion, while the All-Share Index rose significantly by 16,555.32 basis points to close at 242,277.81.
Sectoral performance showed the financial services industry dominating trading activities. The sector accounted for 3.75 billion shares valued at N124.39 billion across 146,938 deals, making up over three-quarters of the total trading volume. Consumer goods followed in second place, while the services industry came in third, highlighting a broad spread of activity across key segments of the market.
Among individual stocks, banking giants such as Access Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Wema Bank Plc led trading by volume. Together, they accounted for over 2 billion shares traded, reinforcing the financial sector’s central role in driving market momentum during the week.
On the gainers’ chart, companies like BUA Cement and UAC Nigeria posted impressive increases in share prices, while others also saw notable upward movement. However, not all stocks shared in the rally, as United Bank for Africa Plc and several others recorded declines, reminding investors that volatility remains part of the market landscape even during bullish periods.