The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed trading on May 6, 2026, on a positive note, advancing by 0.41% to settle at 242,729.5 points, up from 241,750.15 recorded in the previous session. The modest gain reflects sustained investor confidence, with Airtel Africa emerging as the top gainer of the day, driving momentum in large-cap stocks.
Market activity also improved significantly, signaling stronger participation from investors. Total trading volume rose to 1.4 million units across 85,804 deals, surpassing the 1.2 million units traded earlier. This surge in activity translated into a market value of N59.4 billion, while overall market capitalization climbed to N155.7 trillion from N155.1 trillion, reinforcing the bullish sentiment.
A major highlight of the session was the dominance of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), which led both the volume and value charts. The stock recorded an impressive 421.6 million units traded, with transactions valued at N8.8 billion. Other active stocks included Access Holdings and Chams, reflecting broad-based participation across key sectors.
On the performance chart, Airtel Africa and Chemical and Allied Products topped the gainers with 10.00% and 9.99% increases, respectively. However, the session was not without losses, as Sunu Assurances and Guinness Nigeria led the laggards, each declining by nearly 10%. Despite these declines, the broader market maintained a positive tone, supported by gains in key sectors.
Overall, market sentiment remained upbeat, with the year-to-date return inching higher to 55.98%. Gains across indices such as banking, insurance, consumer goods, and industrial goods highlighted widespread optimism, although the oil and gas sector recorded a slight dip. Analysts note that while the market is edging closer to the 243,000 mark, a breakout above this level could sustain the rally, though caution persists as the market shows signs of being overbought.