Nigeria's Economic Leap: NGX Hits N100 Trillion Milestone as Tinubu Urges Local Investment

Published 1 month ago4 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Nigeria's Economic Leap: NGX Hits N100 Trillion Milestone as Tinubu Urges Local Investment

President Bola Tinubu has lauded corporate Nigeria, investors, and other stakeholders in the capital market for the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) achieving the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation mark. Describing this feat, which the NGX crossed on January 5, as a defining moment for the nation’s economy, President Tinubu stated that it should inspire greater confidence among participants and urged Nigerians to channel more investments into the domestic economy. This milestone, he affirmed, signals "the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation" for Nigeria.

Reflecting on the market's performance, President Tinubu highlighted that while many global markets struggled with stagnation or weak recovery in 2025, the NGX All-Share Index recorded remarkable growth. It closed 2025 with a substantial 51.19% return, significantly higher than the 37.65% achieved in 2024. This performance, he noted, ranks among the highest globally, with year-to-date returns significantly outpacing major international indices like the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. The President emphasized that Nigeria could no longer be dismissed as a frontier market, but rather as "a compelling destination where value is being discovered," with the stock market's stellar performance serving as a strong indicator of economic health and investor confidence.

Impressive performances were observed across various sectors on the NGX. President Tinubu cited blue-chip industrial firms that have successfully localized supply chains, as well as a banking sector that has demonstrated resilience and technological innovation. He further revealed that the pipeline for new listings remains robust, with indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators, and infrastructure-heavy entities preparing to access the public market to finance their expansion. Such listings, he added, are set to further boost market capitalisation and deepen the democratic ownership of the Nigerian economy.

The capital market's impressive growth is intrinsically linked to broader macroeconomic improvements, a direct result of the administration's economic reforms. President Tinubu noted that after initial headwinds, inflation has begun to moderate. This improvement is attributed to decisive monetary tightening, the elimination of distortionary "Ways and Means" financing, and increased investment in the agriculture sector. Inflation, which reached a 24-month high of 34.8% in December 2024, decelerated to 14.45% by November 2025. Projections indicate it could reach 12% in 2026, with an optimistic outlook suggesting it may fall below 10% before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026, he assured, promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians.

Nigeria's external position has also shown significant strength. The nation posted a current account surplus of $16 billion in 2024, which, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is projected to rise to $16.94 billion in 2025 and further to $18.81 billion in 2026. Under the current administration, Nigeria is exporting more and reducing imports of locally producible goods. Non-oil exports surged by 48% by the third quarter of 2025, totaling N9.2 trillion, with exports to Africa alone rising by 97% to N4.9 trillion. Manufacturing exports also increased by 67% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, signaling a strong close to the year.

Furthermore, Nigeria's foreign reserves have impressively crossed the $45 billion mark, providing the Central Bank with robust firepower to maintain stability. The Naira has shown significant stabilization, moving away from the volatility that previously fueled speculation. The CBN, in its latest outlook, projects foreign reserves will cross the $50 billion threshold in the first quarter of 2026.

Beyond financial metrics, the nation is witnessing substantial infrastructural development. There is an ongoing expansion of rail networks, the completion of major arterial roads, and the revitalization of ports. Transformative projects such as the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways are actively contributing to the growth of the nation’s infrastructure. Additionally, healthcare facilities are improving, leading to a decline in medical tourism costs. Students are benefiting from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and universities are receiving increased research grants.

President Tinubu concluded by describing the N100 trillion market capitalisation as a powerful signal to the global community, emphasizing that "Nation-building is a process, not a destination. Hard work, sacrifices, and the focus of its citizens build a nation." He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to building an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy, which will be further catalyzed by the historic tax and fiscal reforms that fully came into implementation from January 1.

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