Nigeria’s stock market posted a substantial gain in September, with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) adding N178.99 billion in market value. The rise reflects renewed investor optimism and increased trading activity across key sectors.
At the start of the month, market capitalization stood at N88.41 trillion, with the All-Share Index (ASI) at 139,722.19 points. By September 30, capitalization had climbed to N90.58 trillion, and the ASI reached 142,710.48 points. This translates to a monthly gain of N178.99 billion.
On the final trading session, 1.24 billion shares worth N29.82 billion exchanged hands across 27,982 deals. That volume represented a 223% rise in traded shares and a 157% increase in turnover compared to the previous day. Among 128 equities traded, 28 gained and 32 lost ground.
Top gainers included UPDC, which surged by 9.98%, Nigerian Enamelware (+9.97%), Eterna (+9.95%), and Aradel Holdings (+9.82%). On the downside, Union Dicon Salt dropped 10%, Champion Breweries lost 7.09%, Royal Exchange shed 5.96%, and Wema Bank declined 5.56%.
In terms of trading volume, Fidelity Bank led with 793 million shares worth N15.88 billion. Other heavy movers were NCR Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and Sterling Bank. On the value side, Zenith Bank transacted N3.42 billion, Lafarge Africa moved N1.27 billion, NCR Nigeria traded N1.07 billion, and Aradel Holdings reached N911.74 million.
Index-wise, the All-Share Index rose by 332.90 points (0.23%), with a weekly gain of 1.26% and a four-week gain of 2.14%. The Top 30 Index gained 0.35%, Oil & Gas Index jumped 3.66%, and the Pension Index added 0.77%. However, the Industrial Index slipped 0.11% and the Banking Index fell 0.14%.
The market’s strong performance underscores robust interest in blue-chip stocks and suggests positive momentum heading into the final quarter.
