The Nigerian equities market posted its strongest daily gain of the year, with the benchmark index climbing above 190,000 points for the first time, lifted by sharp advances in large-cap stocks across banking, telecoms and industrial sectors.
The All-Share Index on the Nigerian Exchange rose 4.36% to close at 190,262.44 points, a gain of more than 7,900 points. The advance extended the market’s winning streak to eleven consecutive sessions and pushed year-to-date returns to 22.27%.
Market capitalisation increased to N122.1 trillion from N117.02 trillion at the previous close, reflecting broad-based buying interest. Trading activity was robust, with 1.07 billion shares changing hands in 64,821 deals.
Several heavyweight stocks hit the exchange’s 10% daily price limit. Aradel Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Holdings Plc, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Dangote Cement Plc were among the major advancers, underscoring renewed investor appetite for large-cap names.
Aradel led trading by value, recording N11.02 billion in transactions. MTN followed with N7.5 billion, while Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc rounded out the top five by turnover.
In volume terms, Access Holdings topped the chart with 86.7 million shares traded. Oando Plc recorded 73.4 million shares, followed by Zenith Bank with 69.2 million, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc with 67.1 million and Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc with 49.1 million shares.
Gains were concentrated in both blue-chip and mid-cap counters. Aradel, Beta Glass Plc, Oando, Ikeja Hotel Plc, Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Ltd and Jaiz Bank Plc each advanced by the maximum 10% allowed in a single session.
Among the largest stocks valued above N1 trillion, performance was broadly positive. Aradel rose 10%, MTN Nigeria gained 9.99% and Dangote Cement advanced 9.95%. Lafarge Africa Plc added 5.04%, while Nigerian Breweries Plc climbed 3.21%. Fidelity Bank Plc gained 1.91%.
Banking stocks were also firmly bid. Zenith Bank rose 9.95%, Access Holdings gained 8.87% and Guaranty Trust Holding Company advanced 7.14%. United Bank for Africa Plc added 2.59%, while First Holdco Plc edged up 0.31%.
On the downside, profit-taking weighed on a handful of smaller stocks. RT Briscoe Plc fell 9.99%, while Deap Capital Management & Trust Plc declined 9.91%. Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc and Tantalizers Plc also closed lower.
The latest rally follows a period of relatively flat price action and signals a shift in sentiment toward risk assets. Analysts say sustained buying in large-cap stocks has been the main driver of the index’s recent surge.
If current momentum persists, the benchmark could extend gains further above the 190,000 level, reinforcing the market’s strong start to 2026.