PEARL Awards Nigeria has officially unveiled the nominees for its 2026 Awards, shortlisting top-performing companies quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited across major sectors of the economy.
Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos, the President and Chief Executive Officer of PEARL Awards Nigeria, Tayo Orekoya, formally announced that the grand presentation ceremony will take place on Sunday, 29 November 2026, adopting a hybrid format of physical attendance and live streaming.
Emphasising the organisation’s three-decade legacy of evaluating corporate performance, Orekoya stated, “Since its establishment in 1995, PEARL Awards Nigeria has consistently distinguished itself as a credible and respected institution dedicated to identifying, recognising and rewarding outstanding performance among companies quoted on the Nigerian stock market.”
He stressed that the assessment framework relies on purely objective criteria, noting, “Unlike conventional recognition platforms that depend largely on nominations, subjective assessments or popularity considerations, the PEARL Awards employ a rigorous, research-driven and empirical methodology in evaluating corporate performance.”
The evaluation framework evaluates quoted firms using ten key financial indices, including turnover growth, return on equity, dividend yield, return on assets, profit margin ratio, and share price appreciation.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of the Nigerian capital market, the PEARL Awards CEO pointed out landmark milestones, declaring, “Of particular significance is the ongoing N2.15tn Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Initial Public Offering, which, subject to its successful completion and eventual listing, has the potential to significantly expand market capitalisation, deepen market participation and further strengthen the Nigerian stock market.”
He further highlighted Nigeria’s rising prominence on the continent, asserting, “Equally noteworthy is the emergence of Nigeria’s leadership within the African Securities Exchanges Association, following the election of the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, as President of the Association.”
The shortlists across various sectors feature several heavyweights, with Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holdings Co. Plc, and Wema Bank Plc contending in the Banking category, while BUA Foods Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, and NASCON Allied Industries Plc feature in the Food Products sector. In the Oil and Gas sector, Seplat Energy Plc, Aradel Holdings Plc, and Eterna Plc earned nominations, while firms like Guinness Nigeria Plc, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, and Okomu Oil Palm Plc were nominated across various Market Excellence subcategories.
Expanding on the operational philosophy behind the selection process, Orekoya remarked, “The findings are subsequently subjected to rigorous review and verification by the Board’s Technical Committee before presentation to the full Board of Governors for consideration and final approval,” while adding emphatically that “ultimate winners are determined by performance outcomes, not by corporate influence, sponsorship considerations or popularity.”
The theme for this year’s edition is “Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring the Future,” reflecting the project’s expansion beyond its traditional annual awards into thought leadership platforms such as the PEARL Awards Annual Corporate Summit and the upcoming release of the 2027 Nigerian Stock Market Annual.
In his closing address to media representatives and capital market stakeholders, Orekoya underlined the long-term vision of the organisation, concluding, “As our theme aptly captures, we shall continue ‘Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring the Future,’ as we look forward to welcoming stakeholders on November 29 to recognise excellence, inspire achievement and contribute to the sustainable advancement of Nigeria’s capital market and economy.”