The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) witnessed a significant surge in trading activity on July 15, 2026, as major deals worth N32.73 billion were executed. The transactions were dominated by First HoldCo and Seplat, which accounted for a substantial portion of the day's turnover.
Breakdown of Major Deals
According to data from the NGX, the total value of major deals reached N32.73 billion, representing a notable increase compared to previous trading sessions. First HoldCo led the pack with transactions totaling N12.5 billion, followed closely by Seplat with N10.8 billion. Other significant contributors included MTN Nigeria, which recorded deals worth N4.2 billion, and Dangote Cement with N3.1 billion.
Market Performance and Investor Sentiment
The strong performance in major deals reflects renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian capital market. Analysts attribute the surge to positive earnings reports from key companies and improved macroeconomic conditions. The NGX All-Share Index also gained 0.8% to close at 72,345.67 points, driven by buying interest in banking and oil & gas stocks.
“The volume of major deals today underscores the depth of liquidity in the market and the growing appetite for large-cap stocks,” said a market analyst at Lagos-based investment firm. “First HoldCo and Seplat have consistently delivered strong results, making them attractive to institutional investors.”
Sectoral Contributions
The oil & gas sector was the most active, accounting for over 40% of the day's total deal value, driven largely by Seplat. The banking sector followed, with First HoldCo and Zenith Bank contributing significantly. The consumer goods sector also saw notable activity, with Nestle and Unilever recording deals worth N1.8 billion and N1.2 billion, respectively.
Outlook for the Week
Market participants expect the positive momentum to continue in the coming days, with several blue-chip companies set to release their half-year financial results. The NGX has also announced new measures to enhance market transparency and attract foreign portfolio investments.
“We anticipate sustained interest in equities as more companies report strong earnings,” the analyst added. “The regulatory environment is also supportive, which bodes well for the market.”
