The NGX ASI closed lower by 1.03% at 1,484.94 points on Tuesday 24 March 2026, diverging from the global oil rebound that saw Brent crude surge 3.0% to $102.95 per barrel. This disconnect highlighted a selective trading session on the Nigerian stock exchange today, where Airtel Africa rocketed 10.0% to NGN 2,497.00, while naira depreciation — with the USD/NGN rate hitting 1,375.34 (+1.44%) — dragged on broader market valuations.
NGX ASI: 1,484.94 points (-1.03%)
Airtel Africa: NGN 2,497.00 (+10.0%)
USD/NGN: 1,375.34 (+1.44%)
Brent Crude: $102.95/bbl (+3.0%)
Cement Dividends: NGN 1.38 trillion
Market breadth on the NGX today showed marginal positivity with 32 advancing stocks against 28 decliners and 9 unchanged out of 69 active securities, yet the benchmark index failed to hold gains. The Lagos stock market weakness comes despite the oil price recovery, underscoring how currency risk is currently outweighing commodity tailwinds for Nigerian equities. Global trade barriers and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to pressure commodity markets, with metals and crude experiencing heightened volatility as noted in recent market risk assessments.
