Nairametrics honours top capital market players at 2026 awards, calls for responsible wealth creation

The awards ceremony was held on June 5 at the Civic Center in Lagos over the weekend attracting wide media coverage. It brought together regulators, investors, market operators, business executives, and policymakers to recognise excellence across Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem and highlight the market’s role in driving sustainable economic development.

*_Corporate award winners*_
Among the biggest winners was MTN Nigeria Plc which emerged as Company of the Year and also won the Utilities and Infrastructure Company of the Year award, cited for strong market performance and contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy.

In the banking sector, Zenith Bank Plc was named Tier-One Bank of the Year (FUGAZ), while Wema Bank Plc clinched Commercial Bank of the Year for its growth trajectory and innovation-led strategy. The Nigerian Multinational Company of the Year Award went to United Bank for Africa (UBA) for firm operational footprint, strong financial performance, and value delivery across international borders.

Energy giant Seplat Energy Plc won both Energy Company of the Year and Dividend Paying Company of the Year, reflecting strong earnings and consistent shareholder returns.

Other winners included AIICO Insurance Plc as Insurance Company of the Year, Guinness Nigeria Plc as Consumer Goods Company of the Year, and Lafarge Africa Plc as Industrial Goods Company of the Year.

Transcorp Group won the diversified conglomerate category, while Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) received Exchange of the Year for deepening market participation and facilitating capital formation.

*_Regulatory and special awards*_
The market’s chief regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was honoured with the Market Reforms Initiative of the Year award for efforts to strengthen market integrity and investor confidence. The special Nairametrics Capital Market Award was presented to National Pension Commission (PenCom)  for significant contributions to the development and growth of Nigeria’s capital market.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director and CEO of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Temi Popoola said the future of Nigeria’s capital market lies not only in generating wealth but in ensuring prosperity is sustainable, inclusive, and anchored on strong governance.

He said the capital market remains critical for mobilising long-term capital into productive sectors, supporting innovation, creating jobs, and accelerating economic growth. He noted that global investors increasingly prioritise markets that demonstrate transparency, resilience, and sound governance.

Popoola said responsible wealth creation requires shifting from short-term gains to sustainable value creation, and that businesses, regulators, and investors must embrace accountability and long-term thinking. He also highlighted growing retail participation, citing NGX Invest, which facilitated capital raises exceeding N2.8 trillion during the banking sector recapitalisation and onboarded more than 2 million retail investors in 2025.

Earlier, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nairametrics, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, said the awards recognise excellence, resilience, and innovation across the capital market ecosystem.

He noted that despite global economic uncertainty, tighter financial conditions, and exchange-rate volatility, Nigeria’s capital market has remained resilient, supported by stronger investor confidence, improved corporate earnings, innovation, and increased retail participation.

Obi-Chukwu said this year’s theme, “Capital Markets as a Pathway to Responsible Wealth Creation,” reflects growing consensus that wealth creation must be sustainable, ethical, and deliver long-term value to businesses, investors, and society.

Speakers at the agreed that recognition platforms like the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards help raise standards, reward excellence, and encourage best practices across the ecosystem.