Aradel, Nestle, MTNN power market’s historic single-day surge of N5.1trn

…Market Cap shatters N120trn ceiling…Index crosses 190,000-mark

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has recorded its most explosive trading session in history, as a massive N5.1 trillion single-day surge propelled the total market capitalisation to an unprecedented peak.

This extraordinary wave of wealth creation was powered by the triple engine of Aradel Holdings, Nestle Nigeria, and MTN Nigeria (MTNN), whose combined gains triggered a historic revaluation of the local bourse.

This landmark performance on Monday marks the single largest 24-hour gain ever witnessed on the Exchange. The NGX total market capitalisation also crossed the monumental N120 trillion-mark.

The mid-month historic surge (+4.37percent) was propelled by a powerful rally in high-value blue-chip stocks, most notably Aradel Holdings, Nestle Nigeria, Presco, MTN Nigeria (MTNN), Beta Glass and GTCO.

Key heavyweights have led the charge…

MTN Nigeria remains a dominant force, maintaining its position as one of the exchange’s most valuable entities. Nestle Nigeria recorded a significant 10 percent daily gain, reflecting robust investor confidence in the consumer goods sector.

Aradel Holdings which crossed N1,000 per share continued its upward trajectory since its landmark 2024 listing, while Presco has seen record-breaking trade volumes following news of strategic acquisitions. The milestone underscores the growing depth of the Nigerian capital market and its resilience despite broader macroeconomic shifts.

Aradel Holdings rose to N1,096.7, adding N99.7 or 10 percent. The stock now trades at its 52-week high.

 

“Looking ahead, we will rebalance the portfolio by trimming positions that appear overvalued following recent rallies and reallocating into fundamentally sound undervalued names. Our focus remains on uncovering alpha through mispriced opportunities and upcoming earnings catalysts,” according to Coronation Research analysts in their recent note to investors.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) and Market Capitalisation which opened the week at 182,313.08points and N117.027trillion respectively rose to 190,262.44 points and N122.129trillion. In 64,237 deals, investors exchanged 1,062,454,211 shares valued at N62.990billion.

Nestle Nigeria share price increased to N2,830, adding N168 or 6.31 percent. This price means that Nestle trades at its 52-week high.

 

The market has since last week seen a consistent bullish streak, driven by strong institutional interest (pension funds) and stellar corporate earnings.

“We expect investors to trade cautiously, focusing on fundamentally strong stocks with attractive valuations,” Futureview analysts said on Monday.

Recently, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) revised investment limits for ordinary shares in RSA Funds I, II, III, and VI-Active to address implementation challenges associated with the Revised Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets published in September 2025.

To address the challenges, the commission raised investment limits on ordinary shares across the different fund types, a development which triggered liquidity Tsunami at the Nigerian Bourse.

MTN Nigeria share price at N779.7 represent daily increase by N70.8 or 9.99 percent. The stock now trades at its 52-week high.

 

“We expect the equities market to close in the green zone this week, as positive sentiment continues to filter through the market. Market activity remains elevated, and there is still a degree of fear of missing out driving selective positioning across key names,” Meristem research analysts said.

According to them, the ongoing earnings releases and dividend expectations is likely to keep investors engaged, particularly in fundamentally strong tickers. “In addition, the recently revised equity allocation limits for PFAs, is expected to drive increased institutional participation.

“While some investors may take profit from recent gains, we do not anticipate any major negative events that could derail the prevailing positive trend. As such, we expect the market to finish the week in positive territory,” Meristem analysts added.

At N2,015 per share, Presco gained N115 or 6.05 percent on Monday reaching its 52-week high.

 

“The Nigerian equity market is likely to maintain positive momentum in the near term, supported by strong year-to-date returns, sustained domestic liquidity and improving macro indicators such as the PMI.

“Sector rotation may persist, with investors favouring fundamentally strong and earnings-resilient names, particularly in Oil & Gas and banking. However, gains could moderate as valuations rise, making performance increasingly selective and driven by corporate results and policy signals,” United Capital research analysts said on Monday.

Beta Glass closed at N453.2, adding N41.2 or 10 percent. The stock closed near its 52-week high of N486.

 

GTCO rose on Monday to N120, after adding N8 or 7.14 percent. The stock nears its 52-week high of N122.95.

 

The market recorded 57 gainers as 27 losers. With the equity market surpassing the N120 trillion-mark, investor confidence is rising, participation is broadening, and retail investors are playing an increasingly powerful role in shaping the growth story of Nigeria’s capital market.