The Nigerian equities market concluded the first quarter of 2026 on a strong positive note, achieving a remarkable 29.35% increase. This surge brought the All-Share Index to 201,287.8 points, up from an opening of 155,612.9 points, marking a significant milestone as it surpassed the 200,000-point threshold for the first time.
This performance represents the best quarterly return since the first quarter of 2024, which saw a 39.8% gain. It also extends the market's winning streak to six consecutive quarters, following a downturn in the third quarter of 2024.
Analysis of the quarter reveals that all three months experienced positive returns. February stood out as the strongest month, posting a 16.60% gain, making it the most impactful month for the quarter's overall performance. March, despite having the lowest return at 4.39%, demonstrated market resilience. Trading activity in March saw a decline to just over 15 billion shares, compared to over 21 billion shares traded in February.
The overall trading volume for the first quarter of 2026 exceeded 52 billion shares, indicating robust investor engagement in the market.
Top Performing Stocks in Q1 2026
The Nigerian Exchange Group secured the tenth position among the best-performing stocks in Q1 2026, with an impressive surge of 135.71%. This performance was accompanied by a trading volume of over 259 million units.
The stock commenced the quarter at N70 per share and closed January at N84.50. It experienced a significant 46.75% jump in February, breaching the N100 mark for the first time. Bullish momentum persisted into March, driving the stock to N165, as investor confidence in the group's growth prospects remained high.
In February, the Nigerian Exchange Group announced its audited 2025 results, reporting a profit before tax of N15.55 billion, a 14.26% increase from the previous year. The group also declared a final dividend of N2 per share. Revenue growth was a key driver, rising 36% to N22.9 billion. Transaction fees accounted for 65.8% of this revenue, with listing fees contributing an additional 20.7%. The company now boasts a market capitalization of N1.9 trillion.
Other notable top performers in Q1 2026 included:
- Infinity Trust Mortgage with a 171.43% gain.
- NCR (Nigeria) Plc surged by 1773%.
- RT Briscoe Plc recorded a 175.71% increase.
- Deap Capital Management & Trust achieved a 200% return.
- SCOA Nigeria saw a 219% rise.
- Red Star Express posted a 223.56% gain.
- John Holt delivered a 250% return.
- Premier Paints achieved a 275% gain.
- Fortis Global Insurance led the pack with an outstanding 515% increase.
