Lagos: The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Academy says the capital market is poised to extend its rally in 2026, supported by strong 2025 gains and improving macroeconomic conditions. Its General Manager, Dr Adekunle Adewale, made this announcement during the WorldStage Nigeria Macroeconomic Forum in Lagos. He noted that the market’s outlook remained positive after posting over 150 per cent growth in 2025 and anticipates continued growth due to ongoing economic developments.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adewale linked the optimism to ongoing reforms and expectations of a trillion-dollar economy, while cautioning about early-year concerns surrounding Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and market practices. He emphasized that the CIS Academy is initiating targeted training programs to address these concerns and strengthen investor participation, with sessions scheduled to begin early in the year.
In an assessment of the insurance industry, Ms Nike Popoola, Publisher of Daily Economy, mentioned that the ongoing recapitalisation of insurance companies would significantly strengthen the industry and improve its contribution to the economy in 2026. She highlighted that the new Nigerian Insurance Reform Act introduced risk-based capital requirements and increased minimum capital requirements significantly, making the industry more competitive and better positioned to absorb risks.
Meanwhile, seasoned journalist Mr Olusegun Koiki of The Guardian Newspaper expressed concerns over the sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry. He cited declining passenger traffic, rising operational costs, and multiple taxes as key challenges affecting the sector. Koiki pointed out that African carriers contribute only a small fraction to global air travel, with foreign airlines dominating the continent’s airspace.
Koiki also noted that Nigeria’s passenger traffic has been on a steady decline, with a significant drop in the number of aircraft operated by Nigerian airlines. High operational costs and multiple taxes have exacerbated the situation, making it challenging for airlines to achieve the necessary passenger capacity to break even. The cumulative effect of these challenges has led to an increase in airfares within West Africa, prompting many travelers to opt for road transport instead.