Trading activities on the Nigerian Exchange Group closed on a strong note on Friday, April 17, 2026, as investors intensified market participation, driving significant gains across key indices and equities.
At the close of business, a total of 1.26 billion shares valued at ₦54.27 billion were exchanged in 56,724 deals, representing a remarkable surge when compared with the previous trading session. Market data showed a 115 per cent increase in traded volume, a 57 per cent rise in turnover, and a 25 per cent growth in the number of deals, underscoring renewed investor confidence and heightened market activity.
The overall market capitalisation of the exchange stood at ₦139.8 trillion (approximately $104 billion), reflecting sustained bullish sentiment in the equities market.
A total of 133 listed equities participated in trading, with market breadth closing firmly positive as 44 stocks recorded gains against 27 losers. Leading the gainers’ chart was Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, which appreciated by 10 per cent to close at ₦220.00 per share. Other notable gainers included Trans-Nationwide Express, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, and Access Holdings, all posting near-maximum daily gains.
On the flip side, MeCure Industries led the laggards with a 9.96 per cent decline to close at ₦60.60 per share. It was followed by Honeywell Flour Mills, Abbey Mortgage Bank, and E-Tranzact International, all recording significant price depreciation.
In terms of volume, Sterling Bank emerged as the most actively traded stock with 384 million shares exchanged. It was trailed by Access Holdings, Zenith Bank, and United Bank for Africa, reflecting strong investor interest in banking stocks.
Performance across key indices further reinforced the bullish outlook, as the benchmark NGX All-Share Index surged by 5,266.53 points, or 2.49 per cent, to close at 217,167.55. The index has now posted a one-week gain of 6.57 per cent, a four-week gain of 7.79 per cent, and an impressive year-to-date return of 39.56 per cent.
Other sectoral indices also recorded strong performances. The NGX Premium Index rose by 4.43 per cent, while the NGX Banking Index climbed 3.64 per cent, reflecting sustained investor appetite in blue-chip and financial stocks. Similarly, the NGX Oil and Gas Index advanced by 3.29 per cent, continuing its robust rally with a year-to-date gain nearing 98 per cent.
Analysts say the sustained rally, particularly in banking and oil and gas stocks, points to improving investor sentiment amid expectations of stronger corporate earnings and ongoing economic adjustments.
With market breadth remaining positive and key indices trending upward, stakeholders believe the Nigerian equities market may continue its bullish trajectory in the near term, provided macroeconomic conditions remain supportive.
