By Dipo Olowookere

The positive momentum witnessed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited lately continued on Wednesday after it further closed higher by 0.78 per cent.

More investors are showing interest in Nigerian stocks because of the recent bull run, leaving the market capitalisation to grow further by N880 billion yesterday to N114.377 trillion from N113.497 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 1,374.93 points to 178,184.35 points from 176,809.42 points.

Though the level of activity waned at midweek, data showed that it remained high, with a turnover of 939.2 million shares worth N34.0 billion in 61,279 deals compared with the 1.3 billion shares valued at N50.4 billion traded in 58,965 deals in the preceding session.

This showed that the trading volume went down by 27.75 per cent, and the trading value shrank by 32.54 per cent, while the number of deals jumped 3.92 per cent.

The busiest equity on Wednesday was Tantalizers with the sale of 85.3 million units worth N498.8 million, Access Holdings transacted 61.4 million units for N1.5 billion, Chams exchanged 38.6 million units valued at N174.1 million, Japaul sold 38.2 million units worth N89.5 million, and Deap Capital sold 36.8 million units valued at N314.1 million.

Fortis Global Insurance, Consolidated Hallmark, Nestle Nigeria, and Meyer all gained 10.00 per cent each to close at 33 Kobo, N4.95, N2,420.00, and N20.90 apiece, and CAP rose by 9.98 per cent to N99.20.

On the flip side, Honeywell Flour declined by 9.70 per cent to N22.80, Neimeth slipped by 9.15 per cent to N12.90, The Initiates crashed by 5.81 per cent to N19.45, RT Briscoe tumbled by 5.70 per cent to N14.40, and Sterling Holdings depreciated by 5.56 per cent to N7.65.

At the close of business, 49 stocks ended on the gainers’ table and 31 stocks finished on the losers’ chart, showing a positive market breadth index and strong investor sentiment.

As for the performance of the bourse’s sectors, four of the five monitored by Business Post were in green, with the industrial goods down by 0.02 per cent due to profit-taking in Lafarge Africa.

The banking counter improved by 1.58 per cent, the insurance counter appreciated by 1.53 per cent, the consumer goods index gained 1.28 per cent, and the energy sector soared by 0.02 per cent.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Oil prices gained about 1 per cent on Wednesday, as investors worried about escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, which were preparing to resume negotiations.

Brent crude oil futures chalked up 60 cents or 0.87 per cent to sell for $69.40 a barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures appreciated by 67 cents or 1.05 per cent to $64.63 per barrel.

US President Donald Trump said nothing definitive was decided during his meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, but that negotiations with Iran toward a deal would continue.

On Tuesday, the American leader said he was considering sending a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East if a deal is not reached with Iran, even as both oil producers are prepared to resume talks.

US and Iranian diplomats held indirect talks last week in Oman, amid a regional naval buildup by the US threatening Iran. The date and venue of the next round of talks have yet to be announced.

After talks between US and Iranian teams in Oman on February 6, the US government imposed additional sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.

Meanwhile, Iran signalled readiness for nuclear verification while denying any intent to build weapons.

Also supporting oil prices was data showing that US job growth unexpectedly accelerated in January and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3 per cent, signalling a healthy economy.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) left its oil supply-demand expectations largely unchanged in its monthly report, but highlighted that global oil demand for the wider group’s crude will drop by 400,000 barrels per day in the second quarter compared to the first.

The OPEC+ group, comprising OPEC nations, plus other allies, began raising output last year after years of cuts, but paused production hikes in the first quarter of 2026 amid predictions of a glut. Eight OPEC+ members meet on March 1, where they are expected to decide whether to resume the hikes in April.

Crude oil inventories in the US increased by 8.5 million barrels during the week ending February 6, according to new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released on Wednesday. The increase brings commercial stockpiles to 428.8 million barrels according to government data.

EIA’s data release followed earlier figures released by the American Petroleum Institute (API), which suggested that crude oil inventories rose by 13.4 million barrels.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, has praised Dangote Industries Limited for being an “exemplary strategic partner in our collective pursuit of industrial advancement and sustainable economic development.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ongoing 15th Gateway International Trade Fair in Abeokuta, the Governor described the conglomerate as a strategic partner in the industrial and economic development of the state through investments.

Mr Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investments, Mr Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, disclosed that, “Dangote’s legacy in Ogun State stands as a model of how meaningful collaboration between government and the private sector can deliver transformative results.”

According to him, the Dangote Group is no longer just an investor but a trusted ally—“one whose impact is visible in our economy, our communities, and the future we are building.”

He stated that over the years, the group’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and nation-building has not only strengthened Nigeria’s industrial backbone but has also contributed immensely to the prosperity and competitiveness of Ogun State.

“Through visionary investments, job creation, and consistent support for infrastructure and community growth, the Dangote Group has demonstrated what it means to be a responsible corporate citizen and a catalyst for broad-based development.

“Their partnership with Ogun State continues to open doors of opportunity for our people, energise local industries, and reinforce our reputation as a leading destination for productive enterprise,” he further noted.

Recall that Ibese, in the Yewa axis of Ogun State, is a host to the Dangote Cement Plc’s 12 million mtpa production capacity cement plant, while another 6 million mtpa cement plant is currently under construction at Itori, also in Ogun State.

Earlier, the president of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA), Mr Niyi Oshiyemi, in the same vein, commended the management of Dangote Group for always rising to be counted among the partners of the chamber in an effort to collaborate with the private sector for meaningful economic development.

“Today is not just the commencement of another trade fair but the celebration of collaborations, innovations, and shared prosperity.

“The trade fair in the last 15 years has served as a vital platform where ideas meet opportunity, where businesses connect with the market and where partnerships are formed to drive sustainable economic growth,” he said.

According to him, in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, global competitiveness and ever-evolving consumer needs, no business can thrive in isolation. The future belongs to those who build strong partnerships.

Mr Oshiyemi noted that OGUNCCIMA has been able to strengthen Ogun State’s position as a leading commercial and industrial hub in Nigeria and West Africa because it has been able to encourage investments, trade linkages and technology transfer by supporting policies and initiatives that enhance the ease of doing business in the state.