Nigeria, April 21 -- The benchmark index gained 0.44 percent to close at 218,113.84 points, extending the market's strong upward run. Despite lower trading volume than the previous session, investor appetite remained solid, with equities continuing to attract strong demand.



Banking and large-cap stocks played a major role in the rally. Access Holdings led volume traded, while Zenith Bank and Aradel Holdings dominated transactions by value. Gains in major financial stocks helped maintain strong momentum across the exchange.



Among the day's best performers were Nigerian Aviation Handling Company and Union Dicon Salt, both posting the maximum daily rise.

Fidelity Bank, Access Holdings, and Trans Nationwide Express also recorded str...