By Seun Ibiyemi
Investors in the Nigerian equities market gained a total of N1.1 trillion in the trading week that just ended, driven by a bullish sentiment that prevailed through all four trading sessions leading up to the Independence Day holiday.
Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that the market capitalisation increased to N91.1 trillion, up from N89.9 trillion recorded the previous week. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 1.02%, closing the week at 143,584.04 points, compared to 142,133.03 points.
The market opened the week strongly on Monday, September 29, 2025, with investors gaining N154.76 billion. The positive momentum continued on Tuesday, bringing additional gains of N465.88 billion, before trading was halted on Wednesday, October 1, for the public holiday marking Nigeria’s Independence Day. Upon resumption on Thursday, the rally persisted with a gain of N170.71 billion, and the market closed the week on a high note on Friday, adding N383.72 billion.
A total turnover of 8.403 billion shares worth N115.501 billion was traded in 115,801 deals during the week. This represents an increase in volume from the 7.684 billion shares traded in the previous week.
The Financial Services Industry dominated the activity chart, accounting for 7.750 billion shares valued at N88.153 billion in 54,074 deals, representing 92.24 per cent of total volume. The ICT Industry followed with 181.005 million shares worth N4.077 billion, with the Consumer Goods Industry ranking third.
Top-traded equities were Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, and United Bank for Africa Plc, which collectively accounted for 77.66 per cent of the total equity turnover volume. The sustained rally reflects improved investor confidence, driven by positive market fundamentals ahead of the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary.
A total of 53 equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than the 32 recorded previously, while 43 equities declined, and 51 equities remained unchanged. Eterna Plc led the gainers’ chart with a 32.80% increase, followed by Nigerian Enamelware Plc with 20.94 per cent. Conversely, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc recorded the steepest decline, shedding 17.79 per cent, followed by International Energy Insurance Plc.