Central Securities Clearing System Plc has approved its first-ever interim dividend of N1.00 per ordinary share, rewarding shareholders after delivering a record financial performance for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
The landmark payout marks the first mid-year dividend in the company’s history and follows a strong first-half performance driven by increased capital market activity, improved operational efficiency, and sustained revenue growth.
The declared interim dividend represents about 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year, highlighting management’s confidence in the company’s earnings outlook.
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CSCS reported a 92 percent surge in total operating income to N18.51 billion, with growth fueled by higher transaction fee income, expanding depository services, stronger collateral management business, increased data offerings, and technology-enabled solutions.
Chairman of the company, Temi Popoola, said the board’s decision reflects confidence in CSCS’ financial strength, earnings quality, and long-term strategic direction.
He said the company remains committed to balancing shareholder returns with continued investments in technology, innovation, resilience, and new growth opportunities that will reinforce its position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure institution.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Shehu Yahaya Shantali said the record half-year performance demonstrated the resilience of the company’s business model and the confidence reposed in it by market participants.
According to him, CSCS will continue to strengthen its core market infrastructure, invest in technology and innovation, diversify its revenue base, and deliver greater value to stakeholders while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s capital market.
The company’s disciplined cost management also boosted profitability during the period. Operating expenses increased by just 38 per cent despite the sharp rise in revenue, lifting operating profit by 186 per cent to N10.11 billion.
Profit before tax rose 115 per cent to N13.21 billion, while earnings per share increased to 190.1 kobo from 109.1 kobo in the corresponding period of 2025.
Key efficiency indicators also improved significantly. The cost-to-income ratio declined to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent, while operating profit margin strengthened to 54.6 per cent, reflecting the company’s ability to convert revenue growth into stronger profitability.
Established in 1992 and operational since 1997, CSCS is Nigeria’s primary financial market infrastructure, providing securities depository, clearing, and settlement services for transactions executed across the country’s capital market. The company played a pivotal role in replacing physical share certificates with electronic records, helping modernize Nigeria’s securities market and improve settlement efficiency.
