Ladi Jadesimi loses $5.9 million on Aradel Holdings stake

Nigerian businessman Ladi Jadesimi’s stake in Aradel Holdings Plc lost $5.9 million in value as the company’s shares fell on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The decline reduced the market value of his holding, reflecting recent weakness in the energy company’s stock performance.

The decline follows a strong run earlier in the year, underscoring how quickly sentiment can shift in Nigeria’s stock market, particularly for energy companies that remain exposed to swings in oil prices, investor positioning, and local market liquidity.

Jadesimi’s Aradel stake drops $5.91 million

Over the past 40 days, Jadesimi’s 5.27 percent stake in Aradel, representing 229,034,760 shares, declined by N8.61 billion ($5.91 million). His holding is now valued at N155.72 billion ($106.86 million), down from N164.33 billion ($112.77 million), according to recent market data.

Jadesimi, chairman of Aradel Holdings, had previously benefited from a rally in the company’s stock. Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 2, the value of his stake increased by about $29.29 million, rising from N136.96 billion ($95.19 million) to N179.11 billion ($124.48 million). That increase positioned Aradel among the top-performing stocks on the exchange for much of the year.

Aradel Holdings balances costs and output

Founded in 1992 as Niger Delta Exploration & Production Plc, Aradel Holdings has evolved into a leading Nigerian indigenous energy company with operations across upstream, midstream, and downstream segments, covering oil and gas production, processing, and distribution.

The company has built its business around steady output and cost control, helping it remain relevant in a sector that has faced policy changes and rising expenses. That operational base has supported investor interest, even as short-term market moves have tested confidence.

Aradel slides, market capitalization slips below $2.1 billion

Aradel’s shares have fallen 5.24 percent over the past 40 days, dropping from N717.5 ($0.49) on Nov. 10 to about N679.9 ($0.46) at the time of drafting this report. The slide has dragged the company’s market capitalization below $2.1 billion.

Despite the pullback, the stock remains up 13.7 percent in 2025. The sell-off cut the paper value of Jadesimi’s stake, trimming gains recorded earlier this year and highlighting the gap between short-term price moves and longer-term value in Nigeria’s energy stocks.