Nigeria equity market has crossed a historic milestone with total market capitalisation surpassing one hundred trillion naira for the first time. The achievement reflects growing investor confidence and renewed interest in the stock market despite economic pressures across the country.
Market analysts confirm that just fourteen listed companies now account for about fifty percent of the entire market value. These firms are concentrated mainly in the banking telecommunications cement and energy sectors.
Industry experts say the dominance of a few major players highlights both the strength and imbalance of the market. While strong corporate performance has driven growth concerns remain about limited diversification and the vulnerability of the market to shocks affecting these dominant firms.
Retail investors have been encouraged by the rising value of blue chip stocks but many smaller companies continue to struggle with liquidity challenges and low investor attention.
Financial authorities have described the milestone as a positive signal for economic recovery and capital market development. They however stress the need to deepen participation by encouraging more companies to list and strengthening investor education.
With pension funds and institutional investors increasing their exposure to equities the market is expected to remain attractive though experts warn that sustained growth depends on economic stability and policy consistency.
