LAGOS, May 6 – Nigeria’s equities market closed lower on May 5, 2026, as mild selling pressure in large-cap stocks weighed on overall performance.
The benchmark index dropped by 1,411.37 points, or 0.58%, to settle at 241,750.15, down from the previous close of 243,161.52.
Key decliners included Wema Bank, MTN Nigeria and Aradel Holdings, which contributed to the downward movement in the index.
Despite the weaker close, trading activity strengthened, with total volume rising to 1.2 billion shares from 967.4 million in the previous session, signalling increased market participation.
Market capitalization declined to ₦155.1 trillion (about $110.3 billion) from ₦156.05 trillion, reflecting the day’s losses. Meanwhile, Guaranty Trust Holding Company recorded notable activity, with trades valued at ₦13.09 billion.
Investor sentiment turned cautious, with the year-to-date return easing slightly to 55.4% from 56% in the prior session.
The session highlights a market still balancing strong investor interest with intermittent profit-taking, particularly in large-cap stocks that have driven much of this year’s gains.
