CSCS declares first-ever interim dividend following record H1 performance
Central Securities Clearing System CSCS
Nike Popoola
The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has declared its first-ever interim dividend of N1.00 per ordinary share following a record financial performance in the first half of 2026.
The Board of Directors approved the interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2026, citing the company’s strong earnings, robust cash generation, resilient balance sheet, and confidence in the sustainability of its growth trajectory.
A statement from the organisation said the N1.00 interim dividend represents 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year, underscoring the company’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value while maintaining investments in technology, innovation, and future expansion.
CSCS recorded one of the strongest performances in its history during the period, with total operating income rising by 92 per cent to N18.51 billion, driven by increased transaction fee income, growth in depository services, expanding collateral management revenues, and contributions from data and technology-enabled services.
The company’s Profit Before Tax grew by 115 per cent to N13.21 billion from the corresponding period in 2025, while operating profit surged by 186 per cent to N10.11 billion. Earnings per share also increased significantly to 190.1 kobo from 109.1 kobo recorded in the first half of last year.
CSCS also posted notable improvements in operational efficiency, as its Cost-to-Income Ratio declined to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent, while Operating Profit Margin improved to 54.6 per cent from 36.8 per cent, reflecting disciplined cost management and the scalability of its business model.
Commenting on the development, Chairman of CSCS Plc, Mr. Temi Popoola, said the Board’s decision to approve the interim dividend reflected its confidence in the company’s financial strength and long-term strategic direction.
“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,” he said.
He added that the company’s performance was driven not only by stronger market activity but also by sustained improvements in operational efficiency, disciplined cost management, and the continued diversification of revenue streams.
According to him, the Board remains committed to balancing shareholder rewards with continued investments in technology, innovation, resilience, and new growth opportunities that will further strengthen CSCS’ position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure and one of Africa’s foremost post-trade institutions.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, Mr. Shehu Yahaya Shantali, attributed the strong results to the resilience of the company’s business model and the confidence of market participants.
“Our 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
