The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has declared an interim dividend for the 2025 financial year, reaffirming its commitment to delivering sustained value to shareholders despite global and domestic market challenges. The move reflects the Group’s solid financial performance in the first half of the year, driven by increased trading activity, capital market expansion, and strategic reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and investor confidence.
According to the company’s disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the Board of Directors approved the payment of an interim dividend following a review of the Group’s financial results, which showed improved revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency. The dividend payout is seen as a reward for investors who have demonstrated consistent confidence in the company’s long-term strategy and market leadership.
The Group’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, said the decision underscores NGX Group’s resilience in navigating market volatility and its dedication to maintaining sound corporate governance and shareholder value. “We are pleased to announce this interim dividend as part of our continuous efforts to create sustainable value for our shareholders. Despite global economic headwinds, our business fundamentals remain strong, and we continue to record steady growth across our operations,” Popoola stated.
He attributed the positive results to an increase in trading volumes, listings, and investor participation in the capital market. According to him, the Nigerian Exchange has witnessed stronger market activity due to renewed investor confidence, foreign inflows, and the implementation of strategic initiatives that have improved liquidity and transparency.
“Over the past quarters, we have intensified our efforts to deepen the capital market by enhancing product diversification, digitisation, and stakeholder engagement. These efforts are now yielding measurable results, reflected in our financial performance and shareholder returns,” Popoola added.
The NGX Group’s interim dividend comes at a time when the Nigerian capital market has recorded impressive growth, with total market capitalisation surging by more than 30 percent year-to-date. Analysts attribute this growth to improved macroeconomic policies, stronger corporate earnings, and reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilise the foreign exchange market.
According to the Group’s latest unaudited financial report, revenue grew significantly compared to the same period last year, buoyed by higher transaction fees, listing income, and data services. The Group’s subsidiaries — including NGX Regulation Limited and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) — also contributed to the overall profit growth.
The Group noted that its cost-optimisation initiatives have helped improve profitability margins, with earnings before interest and tax showing notable progress. The Board expressed optimism that the remainder of the financial year will sustain this growth trajectory, supported by continued market reforms and investor participation.
Speaking on the significance of the dividend, Chairman of NGX Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, stated that the decision reflects the Board’s confidence in the company’s financial health and long-term prospects. “We are delighted to declare this interim dividend as a demonstration of our commitment to rewarding shareholders and maintaining investor trust. NGX Group remains focused on delivering long-term growth through innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence,” he said.
Ogunbanjo added that the Group is prioritising strategic partnerships and technological innovation to strengthen its market position and attract both domestic and international investors. He reiterated that NGX Group’s transformation journey continues to align with global best practices in market governance and performance.
Market experts have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive signal to investors and a reflection of confidence in the Nigerian capital market. According to financial analyst, Dr. Chika Onwudiwe, the dividend declaration will further boost investor morale and encourage participation in the equities market. “NGX Group’s performance reflects the improving dynamics of Nigeria’s financial sector. The interim dividend is a strategic move that will help consolidate investor confidence and sustain market momentum,” he noted.
Dr. Onwudiwe added that with increasing interest from foreign investors and ongoing government efforts to strengthen financial market infrastructure, the Nigerian Exchange is well-positioned to maintain growth in the medium term.
The Group also highlighted its continued investments in technology to enhance trading efficiency and customer experience. It said digital transformation remains central to its operations, with new innovations expected to improve market data dissemination, risk management, and trading transparency.
As part of its growth strategy, NGX Group has continued to champion capital market literacy and financial inclusion, especially among youth and small investors. Through its investor education programmes and partnerships with academic institutions, the Group aims to broaden market participation and encourage long-term investment culture.
In recent months, the Nigerian Exchange has also seen an uptick in new listings and capital raisings by major corporations in sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, and energy. This development, analysts say, has strengthened market liquidity and increased investor appetite for equity investments.
However, the Group acknowledged the challenges posed by global economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, and foreign exchange volatility, while expressing confidence in its ability to adapt and sustain profitability. Popoola reaffirmed that NGX Group’s focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and value creation for all stakeholders.
“Our commitment to excellence and transparency continues to guide our operations. We are confident that our strategic direction will deliver consistent growth and positive outcomes for both the Group and the broader Nigerian capital market,” he said.
With this interim dividend, shareholders are expected to benefit from immediate returns while anticipating further growth as the company continues to execute its strategic priorities for the year. The Group assured that it will maintain prudent financial management and uphold its track record of stability and value delivery.
Industry observers believe that NGX Group’s dividend declaration marks another milestone in the company’s post-demutualisation success story, signalling the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market and the growing confidence of investors in its long-term potential.
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