The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) opened the week on a strong note as investors recorded a combined gain of ₦611 billion, driven by renewed interest in industrial and mid-cap stocks, particularly BUA Cement Plc. The upbeat sentiment reflected a positive start to the week, with major market indicators closing higher amid expectations of strong corporate earnings in the final quarter of the year.
At the close of trading on Monday, the total market capitalisation rose to ₦95.2 trillion, up from ₦94.6 trillion recorded in the previous session, representing a 0.65 per cent increase. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) climbed by 963.17 points, closing at 149,940.81 points. The benchmark index has now gained 1.51 per cent in one week, 5.71 per cent in four weeks, and an impressive 45.68 per cent year-to-date, showing sustained investor confidence in the equities market.
According to data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), investors traded a total of 415.04 million shares worth ₦26.96 billion across 31,486 deals. This represented a 14 per cent decline in trading volume but a 62 per cent jump in turnover, compared to the previous session, as high-value transactions dominated the day’s activity.
Out of 130 equities that participated in the session, 30 stocks gained, 33 declined, while the rest closed unchanged.
Union Dicon Salt Plc emerged as the top gainer, appreciating by 10 per cent to close at ₦8.80 per share. It was followed closely by Eunisell Interlinked Plc, which rose 9.92 per cent to ₦53.20 per share. Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc gained 6.44 per cent, closing at ₦3.80 per share, while BUA Cement Plc advanced by 6.25 per cent to settle at ₦170 per share.
On the losers’ chart, Juli Plc led the decline with a 9.94 per cent loss, closing at ₦8.06 per share. It was trailed by Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc, which fell 9.63 per cent to ₦2.72 per share. Daar Communications Plc shed 7.14 per cent, while Universal Insurance Plc lost 5 per cent.
In terms of trading activity, Fidelity Bank Plc dominated by volume, exchanging 49.44 million shares worth ₦982.26 million. Access Holdings Plc followed with 41.21 million shares valued at ₦1.05 billion. Chams Holdings and Nigerian Breweries Plc also featured actively, trading 20.20 million shares and 17.89 million shares, respectively.
On the value chart, Geregu Power Plc led with transactions worth ₦9.29 billion, followed by Aradel Holdings Plc with ₦3.28 billion, Dangote Cement Plc with ₦1.97 billion, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc with ₦1.47 billion, and Nigerian Breweries Plc with ₦1.39 billion.
The sectoral indices reflected a broad market rebound, with all major sectors closing positive. The Industrial Index topped the chart with a 2.34 per cent increase, followed by the Top 30 Index (+0.68%), Premium Index (+0.66%), NGX Main Board Index (+0.66%), Oil & Gas Index (+0.65%), and Pension Index (+0.55%).
Market analysts said the upward trend was driven mainly by investors’ growing interest in blue-chip and industrial stocks, as well as renewed confidence in the Nigerian economy. Many investors are reportedly positioning for improved earnings and attractive dividend announcements from major companies in the last quarter of 2025.
According to Analyst Olumide Adesina, “The performance of the industrial sector, particularly BUA Cement and Dangote Cement, has continued to lift the overall market sentiment. Investors are also reacting positively to recent macroeconomic stability and clearer policy direction from the Central Bank.”
He added that the rise in market turnover despite a lower trading volume indicates that institutional investors are increasing their exposure to value stocks in anticipation of long-term gains.
The NGX’s sustained upward movement also aligns with global market optimism, as easing inflation pressures and improving oil prices have encouraged capital inflows into emerging markets, including Nigeria.
Analysts expect the bullish sentiment to persist in the coming sessions, particularly if industrial giants continue to post strong performance and foreign investors sustain their renewed interest in the Nigerian capital market.
