The Nigerian equities market extended its bullish run on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, adding N1.22 trillion to investors’ wealth as strong buying interest across key sectors pushed the benchmark index higher.
The NGX All-Share Index rose by 0.77 per cent, or 1,883.24 points, to close at 246,082.63 points. This lifted the year-to-date return to 58.14 per cent from 56.93 per cent in the previous session. Market capitalisation of listed equities increased by N1.22 trillion, from about N157.74 trillion to N158.96 trillion.
The broad-based rally was driven by renewed demand for large-cap and selected mid-cap stocks. Gains in Aradel Holdings, Nestlé Nigeria and First HoldCo outweighed losses recorded in Tripple Gee, ABC Transport and Nahco.
Aradel Holdings appreciated 8.83 per cent, Nestlé Nigeria gained 5.83 per cent and First HoldCo rose 1.17 per cent. At the top of the gainers’ chart, FTN Cocoa Processors advanced by the maximum 10 per cent, followed by MC Nichols, SUNU Assurances, Sovereign Trust Insurance and Caverton Offshore Support Group.
On the decliners’ side, Tripple Gee and Company led with a 9.72 per cent decline, followed by ABC Transport, which shed 9.52 per cent, and Nahco, which dropped 9.22 per cent. Transnational Corporation and RT Briscoe were also among the notable losers.
Market breadth remained firmly positive, with 40 stocks gaining against 19 decliners, translating to a breadth ratio of about 2.1 times. This indicated a strong dominance of buying interest over selling pressure during the session.
All major sectoral indices closed in positive territory. Oil & Gas emerged as the best-performing sector, rising 3.87 per cent. The Insurance sector followed with a 3.34 per cent gain, while the Commodity sector advanced 2.58 per cent. Banking and Consumer Goods indices each gained 0.87 per cent, and the Industrial Goods sector appreciated 0.71 per cent.
Trading activity strengthened in volume and value terms, although the number of transactions declined. Total volume traded increased by 7.44 per cent to 651.32 million shares, while transaction value rose 5.35 per cent to N40.77 billion. Access Holdings dominated trading by volume, accounting for 129.89 million shares. MTN Nigeria topped the value chart with transactions worth N4.69 billion.
The total number of deals fell by 18.16 per cent to 43,760 transactions, suggesting that the increase in market turnover was concentrated in relatively larger trades.
The market’s renewed strength has been supported by improving investor sentiment following the confirmation of Nigeria’s return to the FTSE Russell Frontier Market universe. FTSE Russell announced the reclassification of Nigeria from “Unclassified” to Frontier Market status, with the change scheduled to take effect at the market open on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Nigeria had been removed from the FTSE frontier indices with effect from 18 September 2023 after foreign investors faced persistent difficulties converting naira and repatriating funds. The return is expected to enhance the country’s visibility among global frontier-market investors and potentially support increased foreign participation over time.
The equities market has outperformed its previous-year trajectory, with the ASI now up 58.14 per cent year-to-date. Investors remain focused on corporate earnings, fundamentals and the potential impact of the FTSE Russell reclassification on capital inflows.
The session marked a positive start to September after the market closed August with a modest loss of about 0.44 per cent, despite a strong N1.91 trillion rally in the final session of that month.
Analysts have noted that the sustained rally reflects a combination of bargain hunting in selected stocks, positive positioning ahead of the index reclassification and broader improvements in sentiment. However, market participants continue to monitor macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, exchange rate dynamics and monetary policy, which remain important determinants of medium-term performance.
As of the close on 1 September 2026, the Nigerian Exchange continued to demonstrate resilience, with the All-Share Index and market capitalisation at multi-year highs. Further sessions will indicate whether the positive momentum can be sustained as the FTSE Russell implementation date approaches and as third-quarter corporate results begin to emerge.