The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) extended its bullish run on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with investors realising gains of approximately N1.70 trillion as strong buying interest propelled the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) to a new weekly peak.
Market capitalisation climbed from N122.24 trillion to N123.93 trillion, while the ASI advanced 2,645.61 points or 1.39% to close at 193,073.57 points—marking continued momentum following recent record highs.
The session featured broad-based advances across key sectors, led by banking, industrial goods, and consumer stocks, though mild profit-taking tempered gains in oil & gas.
The NGX Banking Index rose sharply to 1,852.15 from 1,804.68, reflecting robust sentiment toward financial services. Standout performers included Stanbic IBTC (+9.52%), FirstHoldCo (+6.67%), AccessCorp (+4.00%), United Bank for Africa (+2.13%), Zenith Bank (+1.55%), and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (+0.91%). Minor declines in Fidelity Bank (-1.22%) and Wema Bank (-0.37%) limited the full upside.
Industrial stocks sustained upward pressure, with the NGX Industrial Index edging up to 7,200.81 from 7,180.10. Gains in Julius Berger (+2.77%) and Lafarge Africa (+2.11%) underpinned the sector’s strength.
The NGX Insurance Index closed modestly higher at 1,334.83 from 1,328.24. Top movers featured FTG Insurance (+10.00%), Custodian (+9.42%), Lasaco (+6.41%), WAPIC (+4.36%), and Linkage Assurance (+1.74%), offset by losses in AXA Mansard (-7.92%), Guinea Insurance (-4.11%), Universal Insurance (-2.04%), and Regency Alliance Insurance (-0.79%).
Consumer goods stocks also attracted renewed interest, pushing the NGX Consumer Goods Index to 4,472.50 from 4,448.49. Notable advances came from Guinness (+9.38%), NASCON (+6.21%), PZ Cussons (+3.74%), Honeywell Flour (+2.16%), and International Breweries (+1.01%), while Cadbury (-6.38%), Dangote Sugar (-1.68%), and Tantalizers (-1.20%) retreated.
The NGX Oil & Gas Index dipped slightly to 4,076.03 from 4,080.66, indicating selective profit-taking in the energy space.
The rally aligns with sustained investor confidence in Nigeria’s equities market, driven by positive macroeconomic signals, improved liquidity, and attractive valuations in key sectors. With the ASI now firmly in record territory, market participants anticipate continued momentum if supportive fundamentals persist, though vigilance remains for potential volatility from profit-taking or external developments.
