The Nigerian equities market closed the final trading session of April on a strong bullish note, extending the upward momentum that has persisted since Q1 2026.
The benchmark NGX All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 2.14% to close at a new all-time high of 242,277.81 points, up from 237,205.59 points in the previous session.
Market capitalization rose significantly by N3.27trn to settle at N155.99trn, while the year-to-date (YTD) return improved to 55.69%, reinforcing sustained positive sentiment despite intermittent volatility.
The rally was driven by strong buying interest in industrial, consumer, and energy stocks, with notable gains recorded in SEPLAT (+10.00%), BUACEMENT (+10.00%), UACN (+10.00%), UNILEVER (+10.00%), and several others.
Market sentiment remained positive as breadth closed firmly in the green, with 46 gainers outweighing 42 decliners. BUACEMENT, FTNCOCOA, SEPLAT, UACN, UNILEVER, and ZICHIS topped the gainers’ chart, while ALEX led the decliners. Notably, BUACEMENT, SEPLAT, UACN, UNILEVER, ZICHIS, CAP, and BERGER traded above their 52-week highs.
ACCESSCORP recorded the highest volume, accounting for 49.96% of the day’s total, while SEPLAT recorded the highest value at N25.50bn.
In the unlisted securities market, the NASD Securities Index (NSI) closed bullish on Thursday, rising 0.16% to 4,005.78 points. Global indices were also broadly positive, with Brazil’s Bovespa leading the gains.
In the commodities market, sorghum increased 5.10% to N360.76, while maize fell 8.74% to N234.90. Prices for Eko Gold and Eko Rice at the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange remained unchanged. Globally, Gold and Silver rose to $4,619.84 and $73.31, respectively. Brent crude increased to $114.16, while WTI crude futures decreased to $104.81 amid concerns regarding Middle East supply disruptions.
In the currency market, the average BDC rate appreciated 0.36% to N1,400/USD, and the NFEM rate appreciated 0.33% to settle at N1,374.94/USD.