. . . ASI Closes 2024 At +37.65%

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has marked a remarkable turnaround, breaking away from the poor performance of the 2015–2019 period to thrive in the 2020s.

Biztellers reports that the poor run came on the heels of the oil price crash in 2015 and the ensuing recession in 2016, the 2020s have ushered in a period of unprecedented growth for Nigeria’s stock market.

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Since 2020, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) has delivered a stellar return of 283.45%, climbing from 26,842.07 points at the end of 2019 to 102,926.40 points as of December 2024. Standout years include 2020, 2023, and 2024, as investors sought higher real returns from equities amid negative yields in the fixed-income markets. The index closed 2024 with an impressive annual growth of 37.65%.

The depreciation of the naira, driven by macroeconomic reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Government, has significantly boosted the performance of the stock market. Foreign capital inflow has steadily increased, rising from a low of 4% in mid-2023 to an average of 16% by November 2024.

Additionally, high-profile listings have energized trading activities on the exchange, providing investors with a broader range of blue-chip stocks. Notable entries include Geregu Power Plc, Transcorp Power Plc, Aradel Holdings, and BUA Foods.

These listings have propelled the market capitalization from N12.79 trillion at the end of 2019 to N62.76 trillion as of December 2024, representing a meteoric increase of N49.97 trillion.

At the Closing Gong Ceremony marking the end of 2024 trading activities, NGX’s Chief Executive Officer, Jude Chiemeka, represented by the Head of Trading and Products, Abimbola Babalola, commended key stakeholders, including the stockbroking community represented by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON).

“The year 2024 witnessed significant activity in the secondary market, a testament to the efforts of our trading license holders. Complementary macroeconomic fundamentals were instrumental, and we appreciate the impactful policymaking by the CBN and the Federal Ministry of Finance. We also commend the Securities and Exchange Commission for its effective oversight, especially during the smooth banking recapitalization process,” he said.

CIS President and Chairman of Council, Oluropo Dada, and ASHON Chairman, Sam Onukwue, represented by the 2nd Vice Chairman, Ify Rita Ejezie, emphasized the pivotal role of stockbrokers in driving capital market growth.

They reiterated their commitment to advocating for policies that enhance market development.

Despite the impressive growth, challenges remain. According to Proshare’s 2025 market outlook, Nigeria’s capital market continues to grapple with high transaction costs, information asymmetry, monetary tightening, low trading volumes, and wide bid-ask spreads, all of which stifle liquidity.

However, the report underscores the potential of leveraging the equity market through the listing of national assets, such as NNPC, to unlock liquidity and stimulate domestic and foreign investment.

GMD/CEO of Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola, reflected on the market’s resilience and growth trajectory, thus, “Nigeria’s capital market has proven itself as a hub of resilience and innovation, consistently offering valuable opportunities for investors. The strong performance of our blue-chip companies over the past decade has been a key driver of returns, even amid challenging economic cycles. Inflationary pressures have made equities an attractive hedge, and strategic new listings have significantly boosted market activity.”

He further highlighted the transformative impact of policy reforms, “Macroeconomic shifts, particularly in the oil and gas sectors and currency devaluation, have been transformative. These changes, coupled with the liberalization of exchange rates, have enhanced operational efficiency and contributed to the robust performance of listed companies. As we approach 2025, we remain optimistic that continued reforms and a stable macroeconomic environment will sustain growth, boost liquidity, enhance investor confidence, and deliver long-term value for all market participants.”

A total of 170 young graduates have benefitted from the NCDMB/PETAN/SPDC JV Graduate Internship programme, in which they were attached to indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors for hands-on experience.

Biztellers reports that some 133 of the interns have been employed by the companies indicating the success of the programme as a talent pipeline for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

The latest batch of 49 intake graduated at a ceremony in Port Harcourt early this month after completing their internship which began in 2022.

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Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Wole Ogunsanya, commended the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Joint Venture for the support for the programme which it is helping to build local manpower for a critical sector of the economy.

SPDC and PETAN had jointly set up the programme in 2014 whereby young graduates are attached to the over 100 member companies of the organisation with SPDC paying them monthly stipends. From 2022 when the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) joined the collaboration, the programme has run for two years with 100 intakes.

The NCDMB/PETAN/SPDC JV Graduate Internship programme has been lauded as a key human capital development initiative which is central to the promotion of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

SPDC’s General Manager Nigerian Content, ‘Lanre Olawuyi, said, “The internship is more than a learning opportunity. It provides fresh graduates with technical expertise, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers. It aligns with SPDC’s broader educational initiatives, contributing significantly to the actualisation of the UNESCO ‘Education for All’ agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.

“We owe the success of the programme to the untiring support of our JV partners, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC,) TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited for which we’re grateful.”

The Chairman, Access Holding Company Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imuokhuede, has commended the digital innovation efforts of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) following the successful N351bn Rights Issue completed to comply with the regulatory directive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

According to a statement from Access HoldCo, Aigboje Aig-Imuokhuede said, “By leveraging the NGX’s E-offering platform – NGX Invest, the Company provided its shareholders with a seamless, efficient, and convenient subscriber experience significantly reducing barriers and democratizing participation in the Rights Issue.”

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In an article published by the World Federation of Exchanges, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Temi Popoola had emphasised that the platform was at the core of NGX Group’s digital strategy, stating that it was designed to streamline the distribution of securities in the Nigerian capital market.

“Its user-friendly interface allows investors to onboard seamlessly and verify their identities through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), using their Bank Verification Number (BVN). With NGX Invest, the traditionally complex and time-consuming process of investing is reduced to a few clicks, making it easier for investors across Nigeria, including those in underserved areas, to participate in the capital market,” he said.

The success of Access HoldCo’s capital raise, making it the first bank to officially comply with the CBN’s Banking Recapitalisation directive, is a key social proof and testament to the robustness of NGX Invest and demonstrates the potential of NGX Group’s platform to support the growth and business goals of its Issuers.