Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Plc has declared an interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share after delivering its strongest half-year financial performance on record, with profit before tax surging by 170 per cent to N14.76 billion in the first six months of 2026, underscoring the sustained momentum in Nigeria’s capital market.

The impressive performance was driven by a sharp increase in trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange, higher listing fees, stronger technology income and significantly improved earnings from its investment portfolio, particularly its stake in Central Securities Clearing System Plc.

The Group’s unaudited financial results for the period ended June 30, 2026, showed that revenue more than doubled, rising 118 per cent to N17.60 billion from N8.08 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Total income also climbed 96 per cent to N19.34 billion.

Transaction fees remained the biggest growth driver, increasing by 169 per cent to N13.34 billion from N4.96 billion a year earlier, reflecting heightened trading activity and improved investor participation in the equities market. Listing fees rose 59 per cent to N2.38 billion, while technology income increased 19 per cent to N447.86 million.

The robust revenue growth translated into stronger profitability as operating profit advanced 155 per cent to N10.62 billion, compared with N4.16 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, highlighting the Group’s ability to leverage rising income while maintaining cost discipline.

In addition, NGX Group’s share of profit from equity-accounted investee companies surged 130 per cent to N4.14 billion, largely supported by the strong earnings performance of Central Securities Clearing System Plc.

As a result, profit after tax rose 146 per cent to N10.36 billion, compared with N4.22 billion in the first half of last year.

The Group also strengthened its financial position during the period, with total assets increasing to N75.87 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose to N60.49 billion, up from ₦55.20 billion at the end of 2025.

The Board said the interim dividend reflects the quality of the Group’s earnings, improved cash generation and confidence in its long-term growth strategy, while retaining sufficient resources to invest in technology, market development and strategic initiatives across the capital market ecosystem.

Commenting on the results, Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, said the Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend demonstrates confidence in the sustainability of the Group’s growth.

“The Board’s approval of an interim dividend of N1.30 per share reflects the strength of NGX Group’s first-half performance and our confidence in the Group’s long-term prospects,” he said.

Kwairanga added that the Board remains committed to balancing attractive shareholder returns with continued investment in infrastructure, technology and strategic initiatives aimed at deepening Nigeria’s capital market.

Also commenting, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, attributed the record performance to stronger market activity, increased listing income and improved contributions from investee companies.

“Our first-half results demonstrate the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model,” Popoola said, noting that the company would continue to deepen market liquidity, expand investor participation, accelerate technology-enabled products and build a more diversified financial market infrastructure group.

The performance comes amid a sustained rally in the Nigerian equities market, which has witnessed record levels of market capitalisation, increased trading volumes and stronger investor confidence in 2026, positioning NGX Group to benefit from rising market activity while enhancing shareholder value through improved earnings and dividend payouts.