The Nigerian equities market closed the week ended April 17, 2026, up 6.57% at 217,167.57. This rally marked a 13,397.14-point surge from the opening level of 203,770.43.
Year-to-date returns climbed to 39.56%. Market capitalization increased to N139.8 trillion from N131.2 trillion during this period. Trading activity was robust, totaling 3.5 billion shares across 254,553 deals.
The NGX Premium Index rose by 8.05%. The NGX Oil and Gas Index surged by an impressive 17.59%, while the NGX Banking Index increased by 11.85%. Trans-Nationwide Express Plc emerged as the top gainer, rising by 60.48% to N6.05.
But not all stocks fared well; Coronation Insurance Plc was the top loser, down 14.38% to N2.50. The Nigerian Exchange Limited announced it will extend its equities trading hours to 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. WAT effective April 27, 2026.
Looking ahead, Nigeria will return to the FTSE Russell Frontier Markets index effective September 2026—an anticipated move that could attract more investment into the market.
Analysts expect the positive momentum in the Nigerian equities market to persist in the near term, supported by strong investor sentiment and improving liquidity. Cowry Assets Management Limited noted that sustained interest in fundamentally sound large-cap stocks will likely drive further gains.
Afrinvest Limited added that they expect the market to maintain its bullish momentum as investors position themselves ahead of the release of audited financial statements for 2025 and anticipated dividend declarations.
Attention will soon shift to the first wave of Q1-26 earnings releases on the NGX next week, which should begin to shape near-term market direction. Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific earnings impacts.