Lagos, Nigeria – Total transactions on the Nigerian Exchange Limited rose by 115.33% year‑on‑year to N2.404 trillion in January and February 2026, up from N1.116 trillion in the same period in 2025. The bulk of the activity came in February, with market turnover jumping nearly 79% to N1.542 trillion after a weak January.
Okay News reports that domestic investors drove the rally, accounting for N1.403 trillion in February, or about 91% of total trades. Foreign investors contributed N139.03 billion, roughly 9%, with foreign inflows at N66.71 billion and outflows at N72.32 billion, leaving a net outflow of N5.61 billion for the month.
Institutional investors dominated domestic activity with N854.83 billion, or 61% of local trades, while retail investors added N548.50 billion. Institutional trading soared by about 120% month‑on‑month, far outpacing a 52% rise in retail turnover. Foreign participation grew in absolute terms but still lagged domestic flows, reflecting caution among offshore investors.
Over the past two decades, both domestic and foreign trading volumes have expanded strongly. From 2007 to 2025 domestic transactions rose 161% from N3.556 trillion to N9.275 trillion, while foreign trades surged 330% from N616 billion to N2.648 trillion. The 2026 figures suggest the exchange is on track for a robust year, supported by deep domestic liquidity even as foreign sentiment remains patchy.
