Stock Investors Gain N26.78trn in April as Foreign Capital Boosts Liquidity 

The Nigerian Exchange recorded a historic gain of N26.784 trillion in market capitalisation in April 2026, lifted by signs of returning foreign portfolio inflows and strong domestic participation.

The rally pushed market capitalisation from N129.210 trillion at the beginning of the month to N155.994 trillion at the close of trading on April 30, while the All-Share Index rose by 20.36 per cent from 201,287.78 points to 242,277.81 points.

Capital market analysts said the performance was the highest monthly gain in the exchange’s history, driven by improved naira stability, clearer recapitalisation plans in the banking sector and extended trading hours that helped deepen liquidity. They said the trend could continue if market fundamentals remain strong.

Ambrose Omordion, chief operating officer of InvestData Consulting Limited, said the market’s April performance stood out both locally and globally. “This achievement is particularly noteworthy as the earnings from both foreign and local companies are exceeding expectations.

“In the context of ongoing global challenges, including the crisis in the Middle East, the Nigerian market stands out as one of the best-performing markets both globally and in Africa, yielding attractive returns for investors,” he said.

He said government policies were helping to shape the recovery, noting that listed companies were rewarding shareholders and creating fresh opportunities for capital raising. “Additionally, the current market environment presents a valuable opportunity for companies to raise funds.

“In a thriving market, businesses can more easily obtain capital, which in turn boosts employment and drives economic growth. The Nigerian stock market is playing a pivotal role in supporting this economic development, showing alignment with international standards,” Omordion added.

Also speaking, Charles Fakrogha, managing director and chief executive officer of ECL Asset Management Limited, said the market had improved steadily since January, supported by structural reforms, stronger listed company results and broader policy reforms.

He said the move from T+3 to T+2 settlement, with talks already under way on T+1, could improve liquidity and investor confidence, while first-quarter results showed strong performance and encouraged investors to position for dividends.

Last weekly trade

In the last week of April, the market opened for four trading days this week as the Federal Government declared Friday 1st May 2026 as Public Holiday to commemorate 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.

During the week, The NGX All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 7.33% to close the week at  242,277.81 basis points and N155.994 trillion repectively.

Meanwhile, a total turnover of 4.842 billion shares worth N287.756 billion in 332,453 deals was traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange, in contrast to a total of 3.805 billion shares valued at N213.955 billion that exchanged hands last week in 297,202 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 3.755 billion shares valued at N124.398 billion traded in 146,938 deals: thus contributing 77.56% and 43.23% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 177.009 million shares worth N30.853 billion in 36,609 deals. Third place was the Services Industry, with a turnover of 176.809 million shares worth N4.387 billion in 15,310 deals. Trading in the top three equities, namely Access Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Wema Bank Plc (measured by volume), accounted for 2.026 billion shares worth N60.036 billion in 39,925 deals, contributing 41.85% and 20.86% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.