NASD Reiterates Commitment to Strategic Direction, Strong Governance

By Adedapo Adesanya

NASD Plc, which operates Nigeria’s Over-the-Counter (OTC) securities exchange, has reaffirmed its commitment to reinforcing its long-term strategic direction and governance framework.

The exchange recently convened its major shareholders, board members, and executive management at a high-level stakeholder retreat in Lagos.

NASD said, “The retreat held in Lagos brought together key institutional stakeholders for in-depth discussions on NASD’s evolving role within Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

“The engagement provided a structured platform for shareholders and management to align on strategic priorities necessary to deepen institutional strength, enhance market relevance, and support sustainable growth.”

The company noted that deliberations focused on the importance of strong shareholder collaboration, disciplined strategy execution, and equitable governance practices to further strengthen investor confidence and long-term value creation.

The statement added that participants exchanged views on navigating market complexity, adapting to regulatory and economic changes, and ensuring that the Exchange continues to operate in line with global best practices while addressing the specific needs of Nigeria’s over-the-counter market.

NASD emphasised that the retreat highlighted the critical role of close alignment among shareholders, the Board, and executive leadership in shaping the Exchange’s next phase of development. By encouraging open dialogue and shared strategic intent, the engagement reaffirmed NASD’s commitment to transparency, institutional resilience, and leadership within the capital market.

The session concluded with a group engagement reflecting the depth of experience, governance oversight, and collective responsibility guiding NASD’s strategic outlook as it continues to enhance its contribution to Nigeria’s financial market architecture.

NASD posted a standout performance in 2025, with its market diversification strategy delivering a surge in listings, deeper market activity, and a sharp expansion in market value across its alternative trading platforms.

Last year, the market capitalisation on the exchange more than doubled to N2.12 trillion, representing a 106 per cent increase from N1.03 trillion in 2024. The number of admitted securities also rose marginally to 47, up from 45 in the prior year, reflecting a 4 per cent growth.

The NASD Securities Index (NSI) rose by 18 per cent to 3,543.74 points, compared with 3,002.68 points in 2024. Similarly, the NASD Pension Index advanced by 21 per cent to 1,032.88 points, up from 954.33 points.

Trading volumes surged significantly during the year. Total volume traded climbed to 14.03 billion units, marking a 377 per cent increase from 2.98 billion units in 2024. However, this sharp rise in volume contrasted with a decline in transaction value, which fell by 43 per cent to N59.29 billion, down from N103.96 billion in 2024.

The total number of deals executed on the platform dropped to 6,456, representing a 26 per cent decline from 8,724 deals recorded the previous year, indicating fewer but larger or more strategic transactions.

The exchange also recorded notable listings in 2025, with Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company PLC (InfraCredit), Paintcom Investment Nigeria PLC (Paintcom), and MRS PLC admitted to trading.