Nigeria’s equities market closed the week on a strong note, with the total market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) rising to ₦162.16 trillion, its highest level on record.
The market gained ₦4.67 trillion during the week, pushing the NGX All-Share Index up by 2.78 per cent to close at 249,804.56 points on Friday, September 18, 2026. The market’s year-to-date return also moved above 60 per cent.
Friday’s session contributed significantly to the weekly performance. Market capitalisation increased by about ₦2.27 trillion, rising from ₦159.89 trillion on Thursday to ₦162.16 trillion at the close of trading. The All-Share Index gained 1.42 per cent during the session.
Trading activity included more than 525 million shares exchanged in over 44,000 deals. Several companies recorded significant gains, with C&I Leasing and Fortis Global Insurance both rising by 10 per cent. MTN Nigeria also gained 9.20 per cent to close at ₦890 per share.
The positive performance came amid strong buying interest across medium- and large-capitalised stocks. Market data showed that gainers outnumbered decliners during the session, indicating broad participation in the upward movement.
However, some stocks recorded losses. Transcorp Power declined by 9.96 per cent, while Cadbury Nigeria fell by 9.32 per cent and Omatek Ventures dropped by 8.40 per cent.
The market’s performance also comes as investors position themselves around major corporate developments, including the planned Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals IPO, which has attracted considerable attention from investors.
The latest rally means the Nigerian equities market has continued to record strong gains despite recent periods of profit-taking and repositioning by investors. Market participants will now watch whether the positive momentum continues when trading resumes next week.
