The Nigerian equities market sustained its positive momentum on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, as the NGX All-Share Index advanced by 0.28%. The benchmark index closed at 202,585.5 points, marking a gain of 562.4 points from its opening level of 202,023.1. This upward movement propelled the total market capitalization to N130.4 trillion at the session’s close.
Trading activity was notably robust, with volume surpassing one billion shares. A total turnover of N40.5 billion was recorded across 52,723 deals. Access Holdings Plc led the volume chart with 232.9 million units traded, followed by Fidelity Bank Plc with 113 million shares and Wema Bank Plc with 103.2 million shares. In terms of value, Zenith Bank Plc led with transactions worth N6.4 billion, followed by Access Holdings at N6.06 billion and GTCO Holdings Plc at N5.6 billion. Seplat Energy Plc and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc also featured among the top value leaders with N3.3 billion and N2.7 billion in trades, respectively.
Sector performance presented a mixed picture. Among high-capitalization stocks, Seplat Energy gained 4.95% while Stanbic IBTC Holdings rose by 2.22%. The banking sector, particularly the FUGAZ stocks, showed strength as Zenith Bank appreciated by 5.83%, GTCO added 3.20%, and United Bank for Africa advanced by 1.11%. Conversely, International Breweries Plc led the decliners with an 8.09% drop, while Lafarge Africa Plc and Wema Bank Plc fell by 1.40% and 0.76%, respectively.
The overall market sentiment remained bullish, reinforcing a year-to-date return of 30.19%. With the index now at 202,585.5, market observers note it is approaching a key resistance level of 202,559.6 set in March 2026, with the 203,000 psychological mark in sight. The day’s movement was largely driven by activity in large-cap banking stocks, with names like GTCO and Zenith Bank, which experienced mild pullbacks in March, beginning to trend upward again. This comes at a time when national discourse is focused on various critical issues, from the moment Shettima departs 30th Avenue for an official engagement to serious public concerns as Falana demands probe into recent security and economic events. The market continues to operate against a backdrop of broader national news, including reports of again, bandits attack in certain regions, while commercial and social spheres react to developments such as Chioma Okoli files for legal recourse and Shirley Igwe reacts to recent policy announcements.
