At the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited last week, a 0.83 per cent week-on-week growth was recorded, driven by the gains recorded by 73 equities, same as the preceding week.

The bourse was busy in the week as a result of sustained buying pressure, supported by renewed confidence in the market despite the unstable economic environment.

Data revealed that 20 equities depreciated versus 27 equities a week earlier, and 49 equities remained unchanged, higher than 43 equities in the previous week.

Meyer gained 60.11 per cent to sell for N14.65, RT Briscoe appreciated by 50.83 per cent to N3.65, FTN Cocoa rose by 40.24 per cent to N4.67, International Energy Insurance improved by 35.43 per cent to N2.37, and UPDC soared by 34.66 per cent to N4.74.

On the flip side, PZ Cussons lost 14.96 per cent to trade at N32.40, Julius Berger shrank by 9.97 per cent to N112.00, SCOA Nigeria declined by 9.83 per cent to N4.86, VFD Group slumped by 5.41 per cent to N14.00, and Haldance McCall went down by 4.76 per cent to N4.00.

reports that the All-Share Index (ASI) appreciated by 0.83 per cent to 120,989.66 points and the market capitalisation surged by 0.50 per cent to N76.339 trillion.

Similarly, all other indices finished higher except the premium and industrial goods indices, which depreciated by 0.77 per cent and 2.11 per cent, respectively.

Investors bought and sold 5.466 billion shares worth N108.099 billion in 118,570 deals in the five-day trading week versus the 3.903 billion shares valued at N102.221 billion transacted in 114,484 deals in the preceding week.

The financial services industry led the activity chart by volume with 2.739 billion stocks sold for N34.538 billion in 42,646 deals, contributing 50.12 per cent and 31.95 per cent to the total trading volume and value apiece.

The energy sector posted a turnover of 852.042 million equities worth N39.838 billion in 10,555 deals, and the services space traded 400.194 million equities valued at N2.517 billion in 9,214 deals.

Royal Exchange, Access Holdings, and Japaul were the most active stocks with 1.688 billion units sold for N12.816 billion in 8,036 deals, contributing 30.88 per cent and 11.86 per cent to the total trading volume and value, respectively.

In order to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria and Africa, United Payments (UP) has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

The collaboration between Nigeria’s pioneer payments and financial technology company and PAPSS is expected to

This is because the Nigerian firm is now the processor of PAPSS co-branded cards under the recently launched PAPSSCARD, the first Pan-African card scheme, enabling banks and deposit-taking institutions to use the services of UP to issue PAPSS co-branded cards and also accept the cards at their outlets, including Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and merchant locations.

Also, United Payments has been appointed as the acquirer of PAPSSCARD for co-branded cards, allowing merchants who are customers of UP to welcome PAPSS co-branded cards as a means of payment for their goods and services.

Furthermore, United Payments is the switch for instant payments across Africa on the PAPSS network. This enables customers of banks and deposit-taking institutions who are clients of UP to send and receive instant payments across Africa

In demonstration of UP’s cross-enterprise alliances and capabilities, United Payments will be the first entity in Nigeria to enable merchants to accept co-branded cards under the PAPSSCARD scheme as means of payment for goods and services at merchants’ locations. This is in addition to enabling instant cross border transaction/fund transfers across Africa.

The company will also accept PAPSSCARD across its networks under the terms of the partnership agreement.

The chief executive of United Payments, Mr Agada Apochi, expressed the excitement of his firm to contribute to the ease of doing business in Nigeria and across Africa through the partnership with PAPSS.

According to him, this is a testament to the position of United Payments as a shared industry infrastructure and promoter of cross-enterprise alliances.

On his part, the chief executive of PAPSS, Mr Mike Ogbalu, praised the collaborative efforts and outstanding achievements of the United Payments team in delivering a successful Proof of Concept exclusively for the Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025 (AAM2025) in Abuja. This initiative provided selected guests with the opportunity to experience the PAPSSCARD.

Nigeria’s leading provider of innovative insurance and financial solutions, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, has been bestowed with another honour.

This time, the underwriting firm won the Insurance Company of the Year award at Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Organized by Nairametrics, an authority in business and financial reporting, the Capital Market Choice Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance, integrity, and industry leadership.

With rigorous analysis and deep insight into Nigeria’s financial markets, Nairametrics has established itself as a leading voice in business intelligence, making this award a distinguished benchmark of excellence within the business ecosystem in Nigeria.

Despite a challenging economic landscape in 2024, AXA Mansard exhibited remarkable resilience, achieving significant milestones in customer service, financial strength, and digital innovation.

The organisation strengthened its market position through strategic investments, enhanced product offerings, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the financial security of Nigerians.

In his reaction to the recognition, the chief executive of AXA Mansard Insurance, Mr Kunle Ahmed, said the award “underscores our unwavering commitment to our value of customer-first, excellence, resilience, and culture of innovation, even amid economic uncertainties.”

“This award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team, as well as the trust reposed in us by our customers, partners, brokers and other market stakeholders.

“In the face of economic uncertainties, AXA Mansard remains resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to delivering insurance solutions that empower Nigerians to secure their futures.

“As we continue to navigate the evolving financial landscape, the award present to us another reason to remains disciplined, focused on strengthening our operational efficiencies, fostering our digital transformations, and delivering exceptional value to our esteemed customers,” he added.