Shareholders of the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) have approved a total dividend payout of N8.9bn, translating to N1.78 per share for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
The approval was granted at the company’s 32nd Annual General Meeting in Lagos, where management highlighted a resilient performance despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.
CSCS reported gross earnings of N28.67bn, marking a 10 per cent increase from N26.09bn recorded in 2024. Operating income also rose by 12 per cent to N24.86bn, driven by increased market activity and disciplined execution.
Chairman of the Board, Temi Popoola, said the dividend payout reflects a careful balance between rewarding shareholders and reinvesting for sustainable growth. He stressed that enhancing shareholder returns remains a top priority for the company.
Looking ahead, Popoola outlined a 2026 strategy focused on strengthening market infrastructure through technology and operational efficiency. He added that the company plans to expand its services across multiple asset classes while leveraging data and post-trade services to diversify revenue streams.
Managing Director, Shehu Shantali, revealed that revenue surged by 66 per cent to N23.21bn, boosting operating profit to N8.71bn. This led to a significant improvement in operating margin to 37.5 per cent from 10.7 per cent in the previous year.
Shantali also noted that total equity rose to N43.49bn, attributing the strong performance to effective risk management and operational efficiency in a complex global environment shaped by geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.
Reacting to the results, the National Coordinator of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, commended the company’s performance but urged management to adopt a broader global outlook. He also praised the successful transition to the T+2 settlement cycle, advising continued focus on listed entities to maintain market integrity.
Similarly, President of the New Dimension Shareholders Association, Patrick Ajudua, called for improved communication strategies to address N390m in unclaimed dividends and ensure funds reach rightful owners.
During the meeting, shareholders ratified the appointment of Shantali as an Executive Director and Kennedy Uzoka as a Non-Executive Director, moves expected to strengthen the board’s capacity.
The meeting concluded with a vote of confidence in the board, as shareholders praised its performance and ability to maintain profitability despite foreign exchange pressures and commodity price volatility.
As Nigeria’s sole central securities depository, CSCS plays a critical role in the clearing, settlement, and custody of securities traded on the Nigerian Exchange and other platforms. Its performance is widely regarded as a key indicator of the health of the country’s investment climate.
The transition to the T+2 settlement cycle—where transactions are completed within two business days—has further enhanced market liquidity, reduced systemic risk, and aligned Nigeria’s capital market operations with global standards.
