Tinubu hails NGX at N100trn, urges Nigerians to back local investments

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) for crossing the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation threshold, describing the milestone as a defining signal of renewed investor confidence and a rebounding Nigerian economy.

In a statement marking the achievement, the President said the record valuation reflects the early dividends of his administration’s economic reforms and called on Nigerians to deepen their participation in the domestic capital market, stressing that stronger returns lie ahead as reforms gain further traction in 2026.

“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said, adding that the milestone sends a powerful message to both local and global investors about Nigeria’s growth prospects.

The President noted that the NGX All-Share Index closed 2025 with a return of 51.19 per cent, up from 37.65 per cent in 2024, placing Nigeria among the best-performing equity markets globally.

The performance, he said, outpaced major global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several emerging-market peers.

“Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be overlooked. It is now a compelling investment destination where value is being created and discovered,” Tinubu declared, emphasising that strong stock market performance is a barometer of broader economic health and rising investor confidence.

He attributed the rally to improved corporate earnings, a growing pipeline of new listings across strategic sectors including energy, telecommunications, technology and infrastructure, as well as improving macroeconomic indicators such as easing inflation, a stabilising naira, rising foreign reserves and expanding exports.

Reacting to the President’s remarks, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, said the ₦100 trillion milestone was the direct outcome of decisive reforms and renewed policy discipline under the Tinubu administration.

“The N100 trillion milestone is a direct result of the administration’s decisive reforms and unwavering commitment to transparency and fiscal discipline,” Agama said.

“These policies have restored investor trust and strengthened the credibility of Nigeria’s capital market.”

Agama reaffirmed the SEC’s commitment to the President’s economic agenda, pledging stronger regulation, enhanced investor protection and improved governance standards to sustain growth and market resilience.

Similarly, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Temi Popoola, credited policy clarity and reform momentum for boosting investor confidence and driving market expansion.

“This milestone underscores the success of ongoing reforms and the Exchange’s commitment to market depth, transparency and inclusive growth,” Popoola said.

“Improved macroeconomic coordination and clear reform direction have created an enabling environment for sustainable investment.”

He added that NGX Group would continue to work closely with regulators and market stakeholders to attract quality listings, deepen liquidity and expand retail participation, positioning the capital market as a catalyst for long-term economic growth.

President Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive, transparent and high-growth economy, noting that the N100 trillion market capitalisation mark is a strong signal to the global investment community.

“Nation-building is a process, not a destination. This milestone tells the world that the Nigerian economy is resilient, productive and open for business,” the President said.