Nigerian Banking Stocks Show Significant Investment Gains

Between January and May 2026, retail participation on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) surged by 138.76% year-on-year, with ₦2.86 trillion in equities traded. This renewed interest is linked to strong performances from banking stocks following a major recapitalisation that raised ₦3.37 trillion from domestic investors.

An investment of ₦100,000 in First HoldCo at ₦47.90 per share would have resulted in approximately 2,087.68 shares, valued at ₦269,311 by August 26, representing a 169.3% gain. Similarly, a ₦100,000 investment in Zenith, starting at ₦61.80, would yield ₦193,204 at ₦119.40, a 93.2% gain.

GTCO's stock opened at ₦90.70, with an investment worth ₦140,684 at ₦127.60, a 40.7% gain. Access Holdings began at ₦21, growing to ₦131,190 at ₦27.55, a 31.2% gain.

UBA recorded the weakest performance among the five banks.