Nigeria’s stock market achieved a significant milestone on Monday as the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index crossed the 200,000-point mark.

The breakthrough was driven by strong investor demand and broad-based gains across major sectors.

The benchmark index climbed 1.55% to close at 201,474.89 points, compared to 198,407.30 points in the previous session.

This performance lifted the Month-to-Date (MtD) return of the ASI to 4.48% and the Year-to-Date (YtD) return to 29.47%, highlighting sustained market momentum.

Market capitalisation increased to N129.33 trillion from N127.36 trillion in the prior session, supported by gains in large-cap stocks.

Trading activity stayed strong with total deals reaching 72,700 as investors traded 948.1 million shares worth N49.15 billion.

Financial services stocks led by volume, indicating continued high investor interest in the sector.

Top gainers for the day included BUA Cement Plc, Premier Paints Plc, John Holt Plc, Guinea Insurance Plc, and FTN Cocoa Processors Plc.

Top decliners comprised VFD Group Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, Omatek Ventures Plc, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, and Regency Alliance Insurance Plc.

Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group, described the milestone 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 added.

Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, 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” Chiemeka added.