Central Securities Clearing System Plc has declared its first-ever interim dividend after recording a 115 per cent increase in profit before tax for the first half of 2026.
According to Vanguard, the CSCS interim dividend of N1 per ordinary share was approved by the company’s Board of Directors for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
The company said the payment reflected its strong earnings, healthy cash generation and confidence in sustaining growth. It also plans to continue investing in technology, innovation and new business opportunities.
The N1 interim dividend represents about 56 per cent of the N1.78 total dividend paid to shareholders for the 2025 financial year.
CSCS recorded a profit before tax of N13.21 billion during the period, compared with N5.48 billion in the first half of 2025.
Operating income also increased by 92 per cent to N18.51 billion as activity across several business segments expanded.
CSCS interim dividend reflects stronger earnings
The company attributed the rise in income to higher transaction fees and increased demand for depository services.
Its collateral management business also recorded growth, while data and technology-enabled services contributed more to total revenue.
The improved results came amid stronger activity in Nigeria’s capital market and growing demand for post-trade services.
CSCS provides clearing, settlement, depository and other infrastructure services that support transactions within the Nigerian capital market.
The company said the latest financial performance showed the strength of its business model and its ability to generate income from different sources.
Chairman of CSCS Plc, Temi Popoola, said the decision to pay an interim dividend demonstrated the board’s confidence in the company’s financial position and long-term prospects.
He attributed the performance to increased capital market activity, better operational efficiency and disciplined cost management.
Popoola also said the company’s continued effort to diversify its revenue streams had contributed to the strong results.
Technology investment remains priority
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, Shehu Yahaya Shantali, credited the performance to the resilience of the company’s operations and the commitment of its employees.
He also acknowledged the confidence placed in the organisation by investors, brokers and other capital market participants.
Shantali said CSCS would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure through greater investment in technology and innovation.
The company also plans to explore new business opportunities that can improve service delivery and support long-term growth.
CSCS has expanded beyond traditional clearing and settlement services by developing products linked to data, collateral management and technology.
The diversification has helped the company reduce its dependence on a single source of revenue while responding to changes in the financial market.
The maiden CSCS interim dividend will provide shareholders with an additional return before the company considers its final dividend for the 2026 financial year.
The board said the payment reflected confidence that the company could reward shareholders while still funding its expansion and technology programmes.
