By Dipo Olowookere

The daily stock trading hours on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) have been expanded by an hour to 4.00 pm after extensive stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment and operational readiness ahead of the go-live date.

A statement from the bourse on Friday said the extension was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Before now, trading activity on Customs Street resumed from 9.30 am to 2:30 pm, but from Monday, April 27, 2026, the resumption time would be 9.00 am, and the closing gong would be struck by 4.00 pm from Monday to Friday.

It was explained that this action was taken “to deepen market liquidity, enhance price discovery, and broaden investor access.”

The NGX has witnessed renewed investor interest due to increased awareness of equities lately, especially as the nation and the global community await the much-anticipated listing of Dangote Refinery shares later in the year, all things being equal.

The statement also noted that this extended trading window would provide greater flexibility for investors, improve responsiveness to market-moving information, and support broader participation across the market.

The development builds on the momentum of Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell, reinforcing NGX’s global positioning and enhancing its attractiveness to a broader pool of domestic and international investors.

It further stated that this reform reflects strong regulatory collaboration and underscores the SEC’s continued commitment to advancing market development initiatives. Alongside Nigeria’s Frontier Market reclassification, it signals a deliberate shift towards a more accessible, liquid, and globally competitive market.

With this development, NGX reinforces its position as a leading multi-asset exchange, deepening liquidity, improving market access, and supporting efficient capital formation within Nigeria’s financial markets.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management has been rated high in performance, governance standards, and steadfast commitment to delivering consistent value to investors.

This rating was given by Global Banking & Finance Review, as it awarded the subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc the Best Asset Management Award at the 2026 Global Banking & Finance Review Awards.

The judging panel evaluates nominees with rigorous criteria, focusing on key performance metrics such as fund performance, sustainability, product innovation, governance quality, risk management, and the depth of client relationships. Stanbic IBTC Asset Management exceeded these benchmarks, distinguishing itself from competitors within the industry.

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, a registered and regulated fund and portfolio manager by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has consistently set a benchmark for excellence in fund management, earning the trust of an increasingly discerning investor base. Even amid persistent market volatility and dynamic macroeconomic conditions, the firm has demonstrated resilience and innovation, ensuring that elevated expectations are not only met but exceeded.

The firm has developed a comprehensive product portfolio designed to adapt to varying market conditions. Serving a diverse clientele, including retail investors, institutions, and high-net-worth individuals, it offers mutual funds, structured products, and tailored portfolio management services. What truly distinguishes Stanbic IBTC Asset Management is not only the breadth of its offerings but also its deep understanding of the market and continued investment in innovation, ensuring that clients consistently benefit from solutions aligned with their evolving needs.

In addition to its commitment to performance, the firm continues to invest in enhancing client experience through digital onboarding, real-time reporting, and transparent communication. These initiatives reflect Stanbic IBTC Asset Management’s dedication to making its services more accessible and easier to understand for investors at every stage of their journey.

Its goals extend beyond just managing individual portfolios. Through ongoing investments in financial literacy and investor education, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management aims to cultivate a more informed investing public, thereby contributing to the long-term health of the market.

“This award is a testament to the trust our clients continue to place in us and the dedication of our people who make it possible. We are deeply grateful for the support and patronage of our clients, and equally proud of our team, whose commitment and expertise drive every success.

“Together, we remain focused on delivering value and safeguarding the financial futures entrusted to us,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, Ms Busola Jejelowo, stated.

By Dipo Olowookere

The total value of stocks on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited inched closer to N140 trillion after a 2.49 per cent rise on Friday.

Data from Customs Street showed that the market capitalisation increased by N3.391 trillion during the session to N139.827 trillion from the previous day’s N136.436 trillion.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) of the trading platform went up yesterday by 5,266.56 points to settle at 217,167.57 points compared with the preceding session’s 211,901.01 points.

The continued demand for Nigerian equities, especially MTN Nigeria, Ecobank and others, buoyed the growth achieved by the bourse during the session.

Also, bargain-hunting across the key sectors of the market ensured that the bulls maintained control, with the banking space growing by 3.64 per cent. The energy sector appreciated by 3.29 per cent, the consumer goods index improved by 1.23 per cent, the industrial goods counter expanded by 0.68 per cent, and the insurance segment grew by 0.37 per cent.

Investor sentiment remained strong after a positive market breadth index, with 43 appreciating shares and 27 depreciating shares.

NAHCO chalked up 10.00 per cent to close at N220.00, Trans-Nationwide Express advanced by 10.00 per cent to N6.05, Ecobank gained 9.97 per cent to finish at N67.30, Access Holdings increased by 9.93 per cent to N29.90, and DAAR Communications jumped 9.64 per cent to N1.82.

Conversely, Mecure lost 9.96 per cent to trade at N60.60, Honeywell Flour declined by 9.52 per cent to N19.00, Abbey Mortgage Bank dropped 9.50 per cent to quote at N8.10, eTranzact crashed by 9.27 per cent to N18.60, and Caverton gave up 9.02 per cent to close at N5.55.

It was a busy day for the NGX as market activity improved, with the trading volume rising by 122.22 per cent to 1.3 billion stocks from the 585.0 million stocks transacted a day earlier.

Also, the trading value went up by 56.32 per cent to 54.4 billion from 34.8 billion, while the number of deals soared by 24.94 per cent to 56,923 deals from 45,559 deals.

Leading the activity log on the last trading day of this week was Sterling Holdco with 383.9 million equities valued at N3.1 billion. Access Holdings traded 90.3 million shares worth N2.7 billion, Zenith Bank transacted 70.8 million stocks for N8.8 billion, UBA exchanged 54.6 million equities worth N2.6 billion, and Japaul sold 44.4 million shares valued at N146.4 million.