LAGOS: Investors in the Nigerian equities market recorded a significant gain of N2.67 trillion at the close of trading last week, as renewed buying interest pushed key market indicators higher.
Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that the total equity market capitalization rose to N126.4 trillion, up from N123.7 trillion recorded in the previous week.
In the same vein, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 2.16 per cent, closing the week at 196,968 points, compared to 192,826.78 points the previous week.
Market analysts attributed the strong performance to notable gains recorded by several equities, particularly Fortis Global Insurance Plc, Premier Paints Plc, and Eterna Plc, which emerged among the top 10 best-performing stocks during the trading week.
The companies have consequently been identified as stocks to watch in the coming week, as investor interest remains strong.
However, market observers emphasized that the developments should not be interpreted as buy, sell, or hold recommendations, advising investors to seek guidance from professional financial advisers before making investment decisions.
Shares of Fortis Global Insurance Plc closed the last trading session on Friday, March 6, 2026, at N1.49 per share, representing a 9.6 per cent increase from the previous closing price of N1.36.
The insurance company has emerged as one of the most impressive performers on the exchange this year. Beginning the year with a share price of N0.20, the stock has surged by 645 per cent year-to-date, making it the second-best performing equity on the NGX.
Over the past four weeks alone, the company’s stock has appreciated by 473 per cent, the highest gain recorded on the exchange during the period.
Trading activity in the stock has also been substantial. Over the last three months, Fortis Global Insurance ranked as the 26th most traded stock on the NGX.
Between December 5, 2025, and March 6, 2026, investors traded 655 million shares in 3,010 deals, valued at approximately N582 million.
This translates to an average trading volume of 10.4 million shares per session, worth about N9.23 million.
The stock recorded its highest trading volume of 194 million shares on February 25 within the review period.
Similarly, Premier Paints Plc delivered a strong performance last week.
The company’s shares closed at N14.60 per share, representing a 9.8 per cent increase from the previous closing price of N13.30.
Since the beginning of the year, Premier Paints has appreciated by 46 per cent, rising from an opening price of N10.00 and ranking 46th among the top performing stocks on the exchange for the year.
Within the last four weeks, the stock has gained 33 per cent, placing it 14th among the best-performing equities on the NGX during that period.
Trading volumes, however, remain relatively modest compared to some other market leaders. Over the past three months, 2.59 million shares were traded in 46 deals, valued at approximately N31.9 million.
The company recorded its highest trading activity on March 4, when 1.55 million shares were exchanged.
Energy company Eterna Plc also emerged as one of the standout performers during the week.
The company’s share price climbed to N42.35 per share, representing a 10 per cent increase from the previous closing price of N38.50.
Since the beginning of the year, Eterna’s share price has gained 48.6 per cent, rising from N28.50, which places the company 44th among year-to-date top performers on the NGX.
Over the past four weeks alone, the stock has surged by 37 per cent, ranking it 13th among the best-performing equities within the period.
In terms of trading activity, Eterna Plc ranked as the 90th most traded stock on the NGX over the last three months.
Between December 5, 2025, and March 6, 2026, the company recorded 54.1 million shares traded in 11,044 deals, with a total transaction value of approximately N1.78 billion.
Average daily trading volume stood at 858,223 shares, valued at about N28.3 million per session.
The highest trading volume within the review period was recorded on January 15, when 3.63 million shares were traded, while the lowest volume of 93,411 shares occurred on December 18.
Market watchers believe the strong performance recorded last week reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigerian equities, especially in sectors such as insurance, manufacturing, and energy.
With the NGX All-Share Index approaching the 200,000-point mark, analysts expect continued market activity as investors reposition their portfolios ahead of new economic developments and corporate earnings announcements.
However, experts continue to caution that stock market investments carry risks, urging investors to carefully assess market conditions and seek professional financial advice before making investment decisions.
