Nigeria’s oldest bank has risen to the top position by market value after its stock gained more than 600 percent over two years. The report examines the factors behind the institution’s market performance and its increased standing among listed Nigerian banks.
First HoldCo Plc Chairman Femi Otedola plans to increase his ownership in the financial services group to more than 51%. He said majority control would support reforms aimed at transforming the institution into a world-class banking franchise and disclosed that he has invested more than N600bn.
The Nigerian Exchange began August higher, with the All-Share Index rising by 446.85 points, or 0.18 per cent, to close at a stronger level. The market recorded an aggregate gain of N288.44 billion, supported by renewed buying interest in medium- and large-cap stocks.
Nigeria’s private sector expanded for a sixth consecutive month in July, supported by stronger new business, although growth moderated from June. The Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI, compiled by S&P Global, declined to 52.5 from 53.4, indicating continued expansion in business activity.
The federal government has directed ministries, departments and agencies not to award contracts, sign agreements or incur financial obligations under the 2026 capital budget without approved expenditure warrants and confirmed cash backing. The Treasury Circular tightens controls over government spending and could influence the timing of publicly funded projects.
Nigeria’s expanding refining capacity is facing constraints from insufficient crude supply, according to the report. The development is relevant to investors tracking the country’s oil and gas industry because feedstock availability may influence refinery operations, domestic fuel production, crude flows, and sector-wide business conditions.
The article examines whether Nigeria has sufficient infrastructure to receive, distribute and deliver natural gas to consumers. It focuses on practical readiness beyond proposed pipelines and hubs, including the capacity required to support broader domestic gas utilisation and distribution.
The Lagos State Government plans to require geological and geotechnical investigations for major construction projects. The proposed measure is intended to address structural failures and would introduce an additional compliance requirement for developers and construction-related businesses, including companies in sectors represented on the Nigerian Exchange.
Sephia Energies Managing Director Sandra Agho said improved access to sustainable financing is important for accelerating the growth of Nigerian-owned oil and gas companies. She made the comments at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria annual conference, highlighting funding availability as a key industry issue.
Organised Labour has given the Federal Government until August 11 to address delayed wage award payments and implement a 40% peculiar allowance for public workers. The development is relevant to Nigerian equities because changes in household income, public-sector compensation and fiscal pressures may influence macroeconomic conditions and consumer demand.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo urged Nigerian states to intensify efforts to attract investment and create jobs. They highlighted improving macroeconomic stability as a foundation for investment, a development that may influence business activity and investor sentiment across the Nigerian equities market.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala says Nigeria’s budgetary priorities should place greater emphasis on effective execution and maintenance of projects to support sustainable development. The comments relate to public spending quality and implementation, which may influence Nigeria’s broader economic environment and sectors connected to government-funded infrastructure and services.
The Federal Government plans to end crude oil exports as Nigeria seeks to become Africa’s refining hub. The proposal focuses on expanding domestic refining capacity and increasing local processing, with potential implications for the country’s oil and gas industry and related listed equities.
The National Economic Council approved Project Gazelle 2, a US$4.5 billion facility for NNPC Limited. It will refinance about US$1.5 billion outstanding from the original Project Gazelle pre-export finance facility and provide additional liquidity while seeking to optimise financing costs.
FirstHoldCo Plc has crossed the N6 trillion market capitalisation threshold, becoming the first Nigerian banking group reported to reach the milestone. The achievement is attributed to strong investor demand and highlights the company’s position among Nigerian listed financial services stocks.
Airtel Africa has revised its share capital and voting rights as of July 31, 2026. The update also relates to the company’s buyback programme and provides information relevant to shareholders of the listed telecommunications company.
The Nigerian stock market opened August 2026 with a reported N289 billion increase in market value. The gain was attributed to investor confidence and price appreciation across key stocks, although the report does not identify the specific equities or sectors involved.
Nigeria’s electricity metering rate increased to 59.69% by April 2026 after electricity distribution companies added 349,357 meters. The development highlights ongoing progress and challenges in expanding customer metering and improving infrastructure across the power distribution sector.
Sterling Rallies against Market Tide, Ranks Among NGX’s Top Gainers. Shares of Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc closed among the five best-performing stocks on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Thursday, gaining 7% even as the broader market... https://t.co/L682RN2vHx https://t.co/gdxBevygiX