As at close of trading on Wednesday, the NSE Market Capitalization shed N113 billion from N14.983 trillion to N14.870 trillion.
The demand for Equities drastically reduced on the trading floor of the NSE, as the market reacted to the prevailing tensed security situation arising from the hijacked #EndSARS protests in Lagos, resulting in the loss of lives and vandalization of private and public owned properties.
READ: #EndSARS protests dampen market liquidity at Nigerian Stock Market
The lull in the market, undoubtedly, was not unconnected with the disposition of most investors, who rather than investing, showed more concern about the safety of their investments, as well as observing the government’s next line of action in handling the lingering security situation.
The NSE All-Share Index also declined by 0.75% from 28,665.82 points to 28,449.49 points.
READ: #EndSARS: Those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable – Canadian Govt
What they are saying
According to the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Timothy Olawale, “Protest is legal and a fundamentally guaranteed right of Nigerians to draw government’s attention to the need to take drastic action as regards reforms in all areas of our national life. However, it is important that the economy should not be brought to its knees in the process. The economy is in tatters, facing the threat of a second recession and unemployment rising to an unmanageable level, the need to stop the slide is not only urgent, but important. A consequential effect of the hindered capacity of businesses to function is the higher unemployment rate, further reduction in disposable income of those left in employment, heightened insecurity with the risk of hoodlums hijacking the peaceful protest among others.”
READ: #EndSARS Protest has cost Nigeria N700 billion in 12 days – LCCI
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) estimated that the protests has cost the economy over N700 billion (about $1.8bn in losses). According to the President of LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, her group was concerned about the negative impact of the development on business activities and said, “These actions have been at great cost to the economy and the welfare of Nigerian citizens. It should be noted that our economy is still reeling from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and struggling to recover from its devastating effects.”
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