Reporting by The Punch indicates that President Bola Tinubu has expressed immense confidence in the current trajectory of the Nigerian economy, citing the recent rally in the domestic stock market as a “clear barometer” of investor trust. Speaking at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, the President emphasized that the growth of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) is a direct result of deliberate fiscal discipline and market-friendly policies implemented over the last 18 months.
The President highlighted that Nigeria’s youthful demographic represents a massive global workforce that the country is finally positioned to harness. He urged international investors to view Nigeria as the primary gateway for African industrial transformation, noting that the “work begins now” to translate these paper market gains into tangible industrial output and job creation.
The Guardian reported that market analysts attributed the bullish trend to “improved liquidity and favorable corporate earnings,” while Vanguard noted that the All-Share Index reached a historic peak this week. According to The Guardian, “The market’s resilience suggests a decoupling from previous volatility,” while Vanguard stated, “Investors are reacting positively to the stabilization of the naira and increased foreign reserves.”
Echotitbits take: The administration is doubling down on “market-driven” optics to attract FDI. While the stock market is booming, the real test remains whether this capital flow will trickle down to reduce the high cost of living for the average citizen. Watch for upcoming Q1 GDP data to see if industrial output matches the exchange’s enthusiasm.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/investor-confidence-grows-as-market-hits-111000-points/, February 18, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
