Nigerian stocks surge as investors gain N905bn amid strong buying interest in Airtel Africa and major equities on NGX

The Nigerian equities market extended its strong upward momentum on Monday, 25 May 2026, as investors gained N905 billion following sustained buying interest in large and medium-cap stocks across key sectors of the market in Lagos, Nigeria.

Also read: NGX All-Share index surpasses 201,000 points as investors gain ₦1.97tn

The Nigerian stocks surge pushed total market capitalisation higher by 0.57 per cent to close at N160.982 trillion, compared to N160.077 trillion recorded at the close of trading on Friday.

Similarly, the All-Share Index appreciated by 1,412.65 basis points to settle at 251,125.02, up from the previous session’s 249,712.37 points, reflecting renewed confidence among investors and continued positive sentiment in the capital market.

The latest rally was driven largely by strong demand for shares in Airtel Africa Plc, International Energy Insurance, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Caverton Offshore Support Group and VFD Group, alongside gains recorded in more than 30 other listed equities.

Analysts said the Nigerian stocks surge highlights growing investor appetite for fundamentally strong companies, supported by improving earnings expectations and continued portfolio repositioning by institutional investors.

Market breadth closed positively with 35 gainers outperforming 32 losers, indicating a broadly bullish trading session despite moderate profit-taking in some counters.

Airtel Africa led the gainers’ table after its share price jumped by 10 per cent to close at N3,655.70 per share.

International Energy Insurance followed with a 9.68 per cent rise to N3.74, while Sovereign Trust Insurance appreciated by 9.65 per cent to close at N2.50 per share.

Caverton Offshore Support Group gained 9.63 per cent to settle at N7.40, while VFD Group advanced by 9.55 per cent to close at N10.90 per share.

On the downside, McNichols topped the losers’ chart after declining by 10 per cent to close at N7.20 per share. The Initiates Plc, Learn Africa, Zichis Agro Allied Industries and May & Baker Nigeria Plc also posted losses during the session.

Although the market closed positively, overall trading activity weakened compared to the previous session. Investors traded 629.42 million shares valued at N40.91 billion across 82,434 deals.

Access Holdings Plc recorded the highest trading volume with 61.29 million shares exchanged, accounting for 9.74 per cent of total market turnover.

Meanwhile, Aradel Holdings Plc dominated the value chart with transactions worth N11.99 billion.

Also read: NGX market capitalisation surges on strong blue-chip demand

Market watchers believe the sustained rally reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s equities market, supported by expectations of stronger corporate performances and ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving long-term market stability.