Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Plc has declared an interim dividend of ₦1.30 per ordinary share after posting a record financial performance for the first half of 2026, with profit before tax rising by 170 per cent on the back of stronger market activity and increased earnings from investee companies.
The Group announced the dividend in its unaudited results for the six months ended June 30, 2026, saying the payout reflects the strength of its earnings, improved cash generation and confidence in its long-term growth strategy.
The financial results showed that revenue more than doubled to ₦17.60 billion during the period, representing a 118 per cent increase from ₦8.08 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. Total income also climbed by 96 per cent to ₦19.34 billion.
The strong performance was largely driven by increased activity in the capital market. Transaction fee income surged by 169 per cent to ₦13.34 billion from ₦4.96 billion a year earlier, while listing fees rose by 59 per cent to ₦2.38 billion. Technology income also increased by 19 per cent to ₦447.86 million.
Reflecting the robust earnings growth, operating profit rose by 155 per cent to ₦10.62 billion from ₦4.16 billion recorded in the first half of 2025.
The Group also benefited from stronger returns from its investment portfolio, with its share of profit from equity-accounted investee companies increasing by 130 per cent to ₦4.14 billion, driven mainly by the performance of Central Securities Clearing System Plc.
Consequently, profit before tax climbed to ₦14.76 billion from ₦5.46 billion in the corresponding period of last year, while profit after tax rose by 146 per cent to ₦10.36 billion from ₦4.22 billion.
NGX Group’s balance sheet also strengthened during the period, with total assets increasing to ₦75.87 billion as of June 30, 2026, while shareholders’ equity rose to ₦60.49 billion from ₦55.20 billion at the end of 2025.
Commenting on the results, Chairman of NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, said the Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend reflected confidence in the company’s performance and future prospects.
He said the Group remained committed to rewarding shareholders while continuing to invest in technology, market infrastructure and strategic initiatives aimed at deepening Nigeria’s capital market.
“The Board’s approval of an interim dividend of ₦1.30 per share reflects the strength of NGX Group’s first-half performance and our confidence in the Group’s long-term prospects,” Kwairanga said.
He noted that the company would continue to strike a balance between delivering attractive returns to investors and making long-term investments to sustain growth across the capital market value chain.
Also commenting, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, attributed the strong results to higher transaction volumes, improved listing income, disciplined cost management and stronger contributions from investee companies.
“Our first-half results demonstrate the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model. Revenue growth was supported by significantly higher transaction activity, increased listing income and stronger contributions from our investee companies, while disciplined execution enabled us to translate this growth into substantially improved profitability,” Popoola said.
He added that the Group would continue to focus on deepening market liquidity, expanding investor participation, accelerating technology-driven products and diversifying its financial market infrastructure business.
NGX Group said shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members on the qualification date will be entitled to the interim dividend of ₦1.30 per ordinary share, adding that details of the qualification date, closure period and payment date would be announced in line with regulatory requirements and the approved corporate action timetable.