The Nigerian equities market hit a historic milestone on Monday, with the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) crossing the 201,000-point threshold for the first time.
The benchmark index advanced by 1.55 per cent to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.30 points recorded in the previous session.
Market capitalisation also surged to N129.329 trillion from N127.360 trillion, translating to a net gain of N1.97 trillion for investors.
The rally was underpinned by strong buying interest and broad-based gains across key sectors, reinforcing bullish sentiment in the market.
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Month-to-date (MTD) return rose to 4.48 per cent, while year-to-date (YTD) return climbed to 29.47 per cent, reflecting sustained upward momentum.
Market breadth remained positive, with 38 gainers against 30 decliners, signalling widespread accumulation by investors.
On the gainers’ chart, BUA Cement led with a 10 per cent rise to close at N297. Premier Paints followed, gaining 9.79 per cent to N21.30, while John Holt appreciated by 9.52 per cent to N10.35 per share. Guinea Insurance and Fortis Global Insurance also recorded strong gains of 9.38 per cent and 9.32 per cent, respectively.
Conversely, VFD Group topped the losers’ chart, shedding 10 per cent to close at N11.25. Royal Exchange declined by 9.63 per cent to N1.69, while Omatek Ventures dropped 9.62 per cent to N2.35 per share. Sovereign Trust Insurance and Regency Alliance also posted losses of nine per cent and 8.94 per cent, respectively.
Trading activity remained robust, with total deals rising to 72,735. A total of 948.2 million shares valued at N49.17 billion were exchanged during the session.
Financial services stocks dominated trading by volume, reflecting heightened investor appetite in the sector. Sovereign Trust Insurance recorded the highest volume with 72.56 million shares, accounting for 7.65 per cent of total traded volume, while Zenith Bank led in value terms with transactions worth N5.96 billion, representing 12.11 per cent of the day’s total value.
Commenting on the development, Temi Popoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, said the milestone reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
He noted that ongoing reforms, increased domestic participation, improved corporate performance, and market modernisation are strengthening the role of the exchange in driving long-term wealth creation and sustainable economic growth.
Similarly, Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Ltd., attributed the record performance to sustained demand and active participation across sectors.
He added that the exchange remains committed to deepening liquidity, enhancing trading infrastructure, and ensuring efficient price discovery to support a resilient and transparent market.
The milestone underscores the continued strength of Nigeria’s equities market, which is attracting increasing interest from both retail and institutional investors.
