MTN Nigeria Leads as Equities Market Closes with N21 Billion Gain for Investors
The Nigerian stock market ended Thursday, March 26, 2026, on a marginally bullish note, delivering a gain of N21 billion for investors. This performance extends the positive momentum observed in previous trading sessions on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), fueled by selective buying in consumer goods, banking, and telecommunications stocks.
Market Performance and Key Metrics
The All-Share Index (ASI) edged higher by 32 points, closing at 200,957.9 points, up from 200,925.8 points recorded previously. This represents a modest increase of 0.02%. Equity capitalisation remained largely stable at N128.9 trillion, with a total trading volume of 678.13 million shares executed across 42,222 deals during the session.
Market sentiment remained broadly bullish, pushing the year-to-date return for the ASI to 29.14%, up from 28.98%, despite softer activity levels. The improvement was driven by notable gains in specific stocks, contributing to the overall positive outlook.
Top Value Trades and Active Stocks
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc led the value trades with transactions worth N11.06 billion, followed by Access Holdings Plc at N3.4 billion. Other significant contributors included Wema Bank Plc at N2.7 billion, Aradel Plc at N1.9 billion, and Zenith Bank Plc at N1.7 billion.
In terms of volume, Access Holdings Plc was the most active stock, trading 134.59 million shares valued at N3.50 billion. Wema Bank Plc followed with 105.51 million shares worth N2.79 billion, while Veritas Kapital Asset Management Plc exchanged 74.15 million shares valued at N147.78 million.
Gainers and Losers
On the gainers' chart, Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Plc and Premier Paints Plc led the way, each advancing by 10.00%. Other top gainers included Legend Internet Plc, which increased by 9.92%, John Holt Plc with a 9.87% rise, and McNichols Plc gaining 9.76%.
Conversely, the losers' side saw University Press Plc decline by 9.17%, Sunu Assurances Plc drop by 8.88%, Lotus Halogen Plc fall by 8.55%, Veritas Kapital Asset Management Plc slip by 6.98%, and FTN Cocoa Processing Plc decrease by 6.67%.
Background on Settlement Cycle Transition
Earlier reports indicated that the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has announced Nigeria's capital market will transition to a T+1 settlement cycle starting May 29, 2026. This move aims to enhance efficiency and align with global standards, following a previous migration from T+3 to T+2 on November 28, 2025.
The bullish close on Thursday reflects ongoing investor confidence in key sectors, with telecommunications and banking stocks playing pivotal roles. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders are monitoring these trends closely for future opportunities.
