The Nigerian equities market continued its upward trajectory on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, as investor wealth surged by N87 billion, bolstered by significant gains in Dangote Cement Plc and 24 other listed companies. This positive sentiment reflects ongoing optimism in the financial landscape, with key indices showing steady growth amid mixed trading activities.
Market Performance Overview
The all-share index, a critical benchmark for stock performance, rose by 135.97 points, representing a gain of 0.06 percent, to close at 218,249.81 points. Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value appreciated by N87 billion, reaching N140.523 trillion. This uptick was primarily fueled by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks, highlighting the influence of major players in driving market trends.
Top Gainers and Losers
Among the gainers, NASCON Allied Industries led the pack with a remarkable 10 percent increase, closing at N171.60 per share. It was followed by Union Dicon Salt, which gained 9.92 percent to close at N19.95, and Lafarge Africa, which rose by 9.64 percent to N273. Other notable performers included Trans-Nationwide Express, up 8.27 percent to N7.20, and UACN, which increased by 7.84 percent to N110.
However, market breadth remained negative, with 25 gainers overshadowed by 43 decliners. Legend Internet topped the losers' chart, shedding 9.92 percent to close at N5.63. Abbey Mortgage Bank followed with a decline of 9.59 percent to N6.60, while Stanbic IBTC Holdings lost 8.96 percent to N154.50. Access Holdings and Veritas Kapital Assurance also saw declines of 8.83 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively.
Trading Volume and Activity
The total volume of trade experienced a decline of 18.2 percent, settling at 842.476 million units valued at N44.862 billion, exchanged across 61,617 deals. Despite the reduced volume, high-value transactions underscored active investor participation. Access Holdings dominated the activity chart with 110.813 million shares worth N3.552 billion. Other significant trades included FCMB Group with 57.651 million shares valued at N751.491 million, Fidelity Bank with 44.809 million shares at N1.004 billion, Zenith Bank with 44.163 million shares at N5.507 billion, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) with 43.577 million shares worth N2.192 billion.
Market Outlook and Analysis
According to Cowry Assets Management Limited, the market is expected to maintain its bullish bias in the upcoming sessions. This optimism is supported by continued investor positioning ahead of anticipated full-year dividend announcements, which typically drive accumulation during this period. The firm's analysis suggests that strategic investments in key stocks like Dangote Cement and others could further bolster market performance, reflecting broader economic confidence.
In summary, the Nigerian equities market's recent gains underscore a resilient investment climate, with Dangote Cement and select stocks leading the charge. As investors navigate mixed signals, the focus remains on dividend prospects and macroeconomic indicators to guide future trading decisions.
