The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed a shortened four-day trading week with gains, as the All-Share Index climbed 0.81% to settle at 241,298.47 points, while market capitalisation rose 0.84% to N155.826 trillion. The week’s trading was truncated by the Federal Government’s declaration of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as a public holiday for the Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
Investors Trade 2.507 Billion Shares Worth N123.223 Billion
During the week, investors executed 173,561 deals involving 2.507 billion shares valued at N123.223 billion. This marked a decline from the preceding week’s activity, which saw 6.242 billion shares worth N157.764 billion exchanged across 186,496 deals.
The Financial Services Industry dominated trading by volume, recording 1.977 billion shares valued at N71.563 billion across 79,586 deals. The sector accounted for 78.87% of total equity turnover by volume and 58.08% by value.
Services and ICT Industries Follow in Trading Activity
The Services Industry ranked second with 148.226 million shares valued at N7.252 billion in 10,638 deals, while the ICT Industry placed third with 117.982 million shares worth N8.635 billion across 21,639 deals.
Despite the index gain, market breadth was negative, with 24 stocks appreciating during the week—up from 18 the previous week—while 55 declined compared with 59 previously. A further 68 equities closed flat.
Top Gainers and Decliners of the Week
University Press Plc led the gainers, rising from N4.80 to N5.70, an increase of N0.90 or 18.75%. First Holdco Plc followed, gaining N15.05 to close at N145.00 from N129.95, a rise of 11.58%. Seplat Energy Plc appreciated by N1,120.00 to N12,320.60, up 10.00%, while Red Star Express Plc increased by N1.45 to N16.15, a 9.86% gain. Transcorp Hotels Plc rose N23.60 to N265.50, up 9.76%, and Access Holdings Plc gained N2.50 to N29.50, a 9.26% increase. Cornerstone Insurance Plc appreciated by N0.45 to N5.35, up 9.18%, while UPDC Plc rose N0.20 to N3.55, a 5.97% gain. Omatek Ventures Plc increased by N0.08 to N1.50, up 5.63%, and Abbey Bank Plc gained N0.45 to N8.50, a 5.59% rise.
On the downside, International Energy Insurance Plc was the biggest loser, dropping N1.03 to N2.84 from N3.87, a decline of 26.61%. Fidson Healthcare Plc fell N16.55 to N77.00, down 17.69%, while Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc declined N0.75 to N4.20, a 15.15% drop. Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc decreased N2.50 to N14.50, down 14.71%, and Austin Laz & Company Plc fell N0.34 to N2.50, a 11.97% decline. Ava Capital Plc dropped N0.80 to N6.50, down 10.96%, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc declined N0.14 to N1.16, down 10.77%, and Livestock Feeds Plc fell N0.80 to N7.20, a 10.00% decline. TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc dropped N64.00 to N576.00, down 10.00%, while Ikeja Hotel Plc declined N4.30 to N38.70, also down 10.00%.
First HoldCo Chairman Increases Stake
In a related development, First HoldCo Plc Chairman Femi Otedola has increased his ownership position in the company after purchasing about 680.8 million additional shares through a private placement. The shares were acquired at an estimated cost of N29.6 billion, further strengthening Otedola’s influence in the financial services group. The transaction forms part of First HoldCo’s ongoing equity capital-raising programme, aimed at increasing the company’s capital base.
