Nigeria’s stock market hit a major milestone on Monday, with the NGX All-Share Index crossing the 200,000-point mark, buoyed by strong investor demand and broad-based gains across key sectors.

The benchmark index rose 1.55% to close at 201,474.89 points, up from 198,407.30 points in the previous trading session. This brings the month-to-date return of the ASI to 4.48% and the year-to-date return to 29.47%, reflecting strong market momentum.

Market capitalisation expanded to N129.33tn, up from N127.36tn previously, as large-cap stocks led gains across the market.

Reacting to the milestone, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola, described the growth as a sign of growing confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

“Nigeria’s ongoing reforms are strengthening domestic capital formation, and the market is responding positively. Increased participation by local investors, improving corporate fundamentals, and continued market modernisation are reinforcing the role of the capital market as a catalyst for long-term wealth creation and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Trading activity remained robust, with total deals rising to 72,700 while investors exchanged 948.1 million shares valued at N49.15bn. Financial services stocks dominated transactions by volume, reflecting heightened investor interest in the sector.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, attributed the milestone to sustained demand and active participation across the market.

“Crossing the 200,000-point mark reflects strong investor engagement and consistent demand across key sectors. At Nigerian Exchange Limited, we remain focused on deepening market liquidity, enhancing trading infrastructure, and ensuring efficient price discovery to support a resilient and transparent marketplace,” he said.

Among the top gainers for the session were BUA Cement Plc, Premier Paints Plc, John Holt Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, and FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, while decliners included VFD Group Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc.

The latest milestone highlights the sustained momentum in Nigeria’s equities market, which continues to attract growing interest from both domestic and institutional investors.