NGX Records 8.76 Billion Shares Traded During Shortened Eid Holiday Week
The Nigerian Exchange operated for only three trading days this week due to the Federal Government's declaration of Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. Despite the shortened trading period, market activity remained robust with significant turnover recorded across key sectors.
Market Performance Overview
A total turnover of 8.761 billion shares worth N267.253 billion was recorded on the floor of the Exchange this week across 193,473 deals. This represents a substantial increase compared to the previous week's 3.321 billion shares valued at N164.845 billion traded in 318,907 deals, indicating heightened investor activity despite fewer trading sessions.
Sectoral Trading Analysis
The ICT industry led trading activity by volume with 5.330 billion shares valued at N46.825 billion traded in 21,573 deals. This sector contributed an impressive 60.84% to total equity turnover volume and 17.52% to total value, demonstrating its dominant position in market activity.
The Financial Services industry followed closely, recording 2.765 billion shares worth N95.892 billion in 75,103 deals. The Consumer Goods industry ranked third with a turnover of 174.484 million shares valued at N20.805 billion in 20,693 deals.
Top Equity Performers
Trading in the top three equities by volume—E-Tranzact International Plc, FCMB Group Plc, and Wema Bank Plc—accounted for 6.084 billion shares worth N40.661 billion in 5,570 deals. This represented 69.44% of total volume and 15.21% of total value, highlighting concentrated activity in these key stocks.
Market Breadth Improvement
Market breadth showed positive improvement during the week, with 48 equities recording price appreciation compared to 34 in the previous week. Forty-three equities declined, down from 61 in the prior week, while 57 equities remained unchanged compared to 53 recorded previously.
Top Price Decliners
- Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc: N17.36 to N8.58 (-N8.78, -50.58%)
- Presco Plc: N2,083.90 to N1,701.10 (-N382.80, -18.37%)
- Daar Communications Plc: N2.14 to N1.85 (-N0.29, -13.55%)
- Eterna Plc: N42.30 to N36.90 (-N5.40, -12.77%)
- Red Star Express Plc: N28.55 to N25.70 (-N2.85, -9.98%)
- Aradel Holdings Plc: N1,340.00 to N1,210.30 (-N129.70, -9.68%)
- Omatek Ventures Plc: N2.60 to N2.36 (-N0.24, -9.23%)
- DEAP Capital Management & Trust Plc: N7.00 to N6.45 (-N0.55, -7.86%)
- VFD Group Plc: N12.50 to N11.55 (-N0.95, -7.60%)
- Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc: N2.30 to N2.14 (-N0.16, -6.96%)
Top Price Gainers
- John Holt Plc: N9.45 to N11.85 (+N2.40, +25.40%)
- BUA Cement Plc: N270.00 to N326.70 (+N56.70, +21.00%)
- Premier Paints Plc: N19.40 to N23.40 (+N4.00, +20.62%)
- Zenith Bank Plc: N95.95 to N110.00 (+N14.05, +14.64%)
- Learn Africa Plc: N8.25 to N9.35 (+N1.10, +13.33%)
- Austin Laz & Company Plc: N3.95 to N4.45 (+N0.50, +12.66%)
- Livestock Feeds Plc: N7.20 to N8.10 (+N0.90, +12.50%)
- The Initiates Plc: N18.25 to N20.20 (+N1.95, +10.68%)
- Guinness Nigeria Plc: N385.00 to N423.20 (+N38.20, +9.92%)
- Ikeja Hotel Plc: N36.00 to N39.00 (+N3.00, +8.33%)
The trading activity during the shortened week demonstrates continued investor engagement with the Nigerian capital market despite holiday disruptions, with particular strength shown in the ICT and financial services sectors.
