NGX Index Hits Record 180,000 Points with Huge N6.79trn Gain In 1 Week

Nigeria’s stock market made history this week as the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index (ASI) crossed 180,000 points for the first time after gaining N6.79 trillion, or 6.16 per cent, in the week ending February 13, 2026.

Analyst attributed the performance to a big change from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) concerning how much pension funds can invest in he stock market.

PenCom raised the limit on how much pension money can go into stocks. This brought in lots of cash from big investors, pushing up stock prices.

Experts say this shows more trust in the market. Pension funds are now putting more money into stocks instead of safer options like bonds. It helps grow the economy.

Analysts attribute the surge to heightened investor confidence in a policy environment that now encourages bolder allocations to equities. “PenCom’s adjustments have acted as a catalyst, drawing pension assets away from fixed-income securities and into high-growth stocks,” said a market commentator at a Lagos-based brokerage firm. The move aligns with broader efforts to deepen market liquidity and support economic recovery amid Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.

Banking and insurance sectors emerged as the primary engines of this growth, with heavyweights in these areas posting robust gains. Their performance underscores the market’s resilience, even as global headwinds like fluctuating oil prices and inflation persist.

Several blue-chip and mid-cap stocks delivered double-digit or near-double-digit returns, captivating retail and institutional investors alike. Top gainers as of February 13 included:Nestle Nigeria: N2,662.00 (+10.00 per cent) McNichols: N7.70 (+10.00 per cent) Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank: N9.90 (+10.00 er cent) Cornerstone Insurance: N6.38 (+10.00 per cent) Okomu Oil Palm: N1,327.00 (+9.99 per cent ) Japaul Gold Ventures: N2.51 (+9.61 per cent) MTN Nigeria: N708.90 (+8.56 per cent)

These gains reflect broad-based enthusiasm, particularly in consumer goods, financial services, and telecoms.

MTN Nigeria’s strong showing, for instance, highlights sustained demand for digital services, while insurers like Cornerstone benefited from sector-wide optimism.

Market participants now eye sustained momentum, with experts cautioning that while PenCom’s reforms provide tailwinds, macroeconomic factors such as interest rate trends and foreign inflows will be critical.

“This milestone validates Nigeria’s equity market as a growth story, but disciplined investing remains key,” noted one portfolio manager.

The NGX’s week positions it as Africa’s top-performing bourse year-to-date, potentially attracting more foreign portfolio investment and bolstering Nigeria’s push for financial market reforms.