The Nigerian stocks market started 2026 on a strong note, as investors drove the All-Share Index past 156,000.
Specifically, the index gained 2,952.53 points, rising 1.92% from 153,539.83, marking its first-ever breakthrough above 156,000.
Stocks Starts 2026 Strong
Although trading occurred over four sessions, investors remained active, since Thursday, January 1, was a public holiday.
Consequently, total turnover surged to 7.8 billion shares valued at ₦134.4 billion, far above the previous week.
This activity lifted equity capitalisation 2.09% to ₦99.93 trillion, pushing the market closer to the ₦100 trillion milestone.
Moreover, market breadth improved: 73 stocks gained, 23 lost value, and 51 remained unchanged during the week.
Sector And Stock Highlights
The index stayed positive all week, opening Monday with a 0.55% gain and building momentum through midweek.
By Friday, the index reached 156,492.36 points, creating a historic record above the 156,000 level.
Meanwhile, the NGX 30 Index advanced 1.85%, and the NGX Premium Index increased 0.28%, thanks to strong performances from key stocks.
Read Also: NGX Consumer Goods Lead 2025 Market Gains
Access Holdings led gains at 12.20%, while UBA and Zenith Bank rose 2.38% each, and MTN Nigeria added 1.39%.
In addition, the NGX Insurance Index grew 5.93%, as Regency, NEM, and Cornerstone Insurance each surged over 10%.
Similarly, the NGX Consumer Goods Index rose 3.44%, with Honeywell Flour (+29.58%) and McNichols (+21.69%) driving the increase.
Furthermore, Banking, Oil & Gas, and Industrial sectors contributed positively to the week’s rally.
Austin Laz & Company Plc surged 45.94%, Aluminium Extrusion Industries climbed 45.57%, and Eunisell rose 43.26%.
Conversely, E-Tranzact International dropped 9.92%, followed by First Holdco (-7.92%) and LivingTrust Mortgage Bank (-7.61%).
Corporate Moves And Outlook
Corporate developments shaped market activity, as John Holt and Fortis Global released financial statements, and Femi Otedola sold Geregu Power shares.
Additionally, Heirs Energies acquired a 20% stake in Seplat Energy, and Chapel Hill Denham listed a ₦163.6 billion N-REIT.
Overall, the index approaches sustained levels above 156,500, and investors anticipate the ₦100 trillion market capitalisation soon.
If more investors enter the market, it could test 160,000 points, signalling potential new highs ahead.
