NGX All-Share Index rises 0.81% in shortened week, market cap hits N155.826 trillion

The Nigerian Exchange, NGX, closed the shortened trading week higher, with the All-Share Index climbing 0.81% to 241,298.47 points. Market capitalisation rose 0.84% to N155.826 trillion.

Trading ran for only four days after the Federal Government declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday for the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

Trading activity slows

Investors executed 173,561 deals involving 2.507 billion shares valued at N123.223 billion during the week. That compares with 6.242 billion shares worth N157.764 billion exchanged across 186,496 deals in the preceding week.

The Financial Services Industry dominated activity by volume, recording 1.977 billion shares worth N71.563 billion across 79,586 deals. That sector accounted for 78.87% of total equity turnover by volume and 58.08% by value.

The Services Industry came second with 148.226 million shares valued at N7.252 billion in 10,638 deals. The ICT Industry placed third with 117.982 million shares worth N8.635 billion across 21,639 deals.

Market breadth negative despite index gain

Despite the index gain, market breadth was negative. Twenty-four stocks appreciated during the week, up from 18 the previous week, while 55 declined compared with 59 previously. A further 68 equities closed flat.

Top gainers included University Press Plc, which rose from N4.80 to N5.70, up 18.75%, and First Holdco Plc, which gained 11.58% to close at N145.00. Seplat Energy Plc added 10.00% to finish at N12,320.60. Red Star Express Plc rose 9.86%, Transcorp Hotels Plc gained 9.76%, Access Holdings Plc added 9.26%, and Cornerstone Insurance Plc rose 9.18%.

UPDC Plc gained 5.97%, Omatek Ventures Plc added 5.63%, and Abbey Bank Plc rose 5.59%.

International Energy Insurance Plc was the biggest loser, dropping 26.61% from N3.87 to N2.84. Fidson Healthcare Plc fell 17.69% to N77.00. Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc lost 15.15%, Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc dropped 14.71%, and Austin Laz & Company Plc fell 11.97%.

Ava Capital Plc shed 10.96%, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc lost 10.77%, Livestock Feeds Plc fell 10.00%, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc dropped 10.00%, and Ikeja Hotel Plc declined 10.00%.

Otedola increases First HoldCo stake

First HoldCo Plc Chairman Femi Otedola has increased his ownership position in the company after purchasing about 680.8 million additional shares through a private placement. The shares were acquired at an estimated cost of N29.6 billion, further strengthening Otedola’s influence in the financial services group.

The transaction forms part of First HoldCo’s ongoing equity capital-raising programme, aimed at increasing the company’s capital base.

For Nigerian businesses, the week’s activity shows investors are trading selectively, with financial services stocks still dominating volume. The market cap gain reflects continued demand for blue-chip names even as overall breadth remains weak.