Nigeria’s maiden central depository, the Central Securities Clearing System Plc, on Monday said its board has approved the payment of an interim dividend of ₦1.00 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, the first its history.
The half-year dividend represents 56% of the company’s ₦1.78 per share paid for the 2025 full-year, demonstrating what the management called the Company’s strong earnings momentum and confidence in its outlook
According to highlights of the score-card made available, total operating income for the period increased by 92% to ₦18.51 billion, driven by significantly higher transaction fee income on the back of a stronger capital market activity, continued growth in depository services, expanding collateral management revenues and increased contributions from data and technology-enabled services.
Investment income also recorded healthy growth as the company continued to optimise its investment portfolio, while operating expenses increased by just 38%, demonstrating what the management termed the scalability of CSCS’ business model and the benefits of a disciplined cost management.
Consequently, operating profit rose by 186% to ₦10.11 billion, Profit Before Tax rose by 115% to ₦13.21 billion, while Earnings Per Share increased from 109.1 kobo to 190.1 kobo.
The Company’s operational efficiency also strengthened considerably during the period. The Cost-to-Income Ratio improved from 63.2% in the corresponding period of 2025 to 45.4%, while Operating Profit Margin increased from 36.8% to 54.6%, reflecting strong operating leverage, disciplined cost management and the continued scalability of the Company’s business model.
These results, the statement added, demonstrate not only the benefits of increased market activity, but also the strength of CSCS’ operating model and its ability to translate revenue growth into stronger profitability, enhanced shareholder returns and sustainable long-term value creation.
Reacting, CSCS Plc chairman, Temi Popoola, said “the Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend reflects our collective confidence in the Company’s financial strength, the quality of its earnings and its long-term strategic direction. On behalf of my fellow Directors, I am pleased that this performance has been driven not only by stronger market activity but also by sustained improvements in operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and the continued diversification of our revenue streams.
“As a Board, we remain committed to maintaining an appropriate balance between rewarding shareholders today and continuing to invest in technology, innovation, resilience and new growth opportunities that will strengthen CSCS’ position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure and one of Africa’s foremost post-trade institutions,” he added.
Also commenting, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Shehu Yahaya Shantali noted that the “first half performance reflects the strength and resilience of CSCS’ business model, the dedication of our people and the continued confidence of market participants. We are particularly encouraged by the strong growth in earnings, the significant improvement in operating efficiency and our ability to translate that performance into enhanced shareholder returns, as demonstrated by our first ever interim dividend.”
Looking ahead, he continued, “we remain focused on strengthening our core market infrastructure, investing in technology and innovation, broadening our revenue streams and enhancing the value we deliver to all stakeholders. We are confident that these priorities position CSCS to sustain its growth trajectory and continue supporting the development of Nigeria’s capital market.”
