Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, is set to distribute dividends totaling N109.88 billion to its shareholders for the 2023 financial year.

The announcement was made as part of the bank’s annual report filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Monday.

The dividends amount to N4.00 per share. This includes a final dividend of N3.50 per share and an interim dividend of N0.50 per share paid earlier in the year.

The proposed dividends are subject to approval by shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) and are payable from the retained earnings accounts as of December 31, 2023.

Throughout the fiscal year, Zenith Bank’s gross earnings surged by 125.50 percent to N2.13 trillion compared to N945 billion in the previous year.

The increase in gross earnings contributed to the bank’s impressive profit after tax, which increased to N676.91 billion, an increase from N223.91 billion recorded in 2022.

This positive performance was driven by the increase in interest and similar income, which rose to N1.14 trillion from N540 billion.

However, the bank experienced a decline in net income on fees and commission, dropping to N109.31 billion from N132.79 billion in 2022, indicating a 17.68 percent decrease.

This decline was attributed to an increase in fees and commission expenses, which grew to N68.21 billion from N24.42 billion in the previous year.

Also, Zenith Bank disclosed various operational expenses incurred during the year, including insurance premiums paid to Zenith General Insurance Limited and Prudential Zenith, as well as payments for information technology services rendered by Cyberspace Network.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified its efforts through a series of strategic initiatives and investor clinics across various regions.

The latest endeavor took place in Yobe State, where the SEC, in collaboration with the Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company, organized a three-day investors clinic.

Mr. Danladi Mohammed, the Head of the SEC Zonal Office in Kano, disclosed that the initiative aimed to address concerns related to unclaimed dividends and enlighten investors on crucial matters such as e-dividend and dematerialization of shares certificates.

The clinic also served as a platform to handle inquiries and complaints from shareholders in Yobe State and its environs.

Unclaimed dividends in the Nigerian capital market reached a staggering N190 billion by August 2023, prompting regulatory authorities to take decisive action.

The SEC views reducing unclaimed dividends as a key objective outlined in the Capital Market Development Master Plan 2015 to 2025.

The initiative aligns with the SEC’s commitment to fostering investor confidence and ensuring market integrity.

It reflects the Commission’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate of regulating and developing the Nigerian capital market to meet international standards.

The SEC’s Director-General, Lamido Yuguda, emphasized the importance of investor education and engagement in addressing the challenge of unclaimed dividends.

Through investor clinics and proactive measures, the SEC aims to empower investors to claim what rightfully belongs to them and enhance transparency and efficiency in the capital market ecosystem.

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has announced a N1.5 billion dividend for its shareholders following a remarkable profit surge.

In the statement released by NGX’s Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Clifford Akpolo, the company recorded a robust profit after tax of N5.2 billion for the financial year ending December 2023.

The company’s audited financial statements disclosed a 57.4% increase in gross earnings to N11.8 billion, attributed to strong performances in core revenue streams and other income segments.

Transaction fees surged by 52.6%, driven by heightened trading activities, while listing fees and rental income rose by 42.2% and 41.8%, respectively.

Strategic investments also contributed significantly to a 5.4% boost in treasury investment income. Other income, representing 29.7% of gross earnings, witnessed a remarkable surge of 163.6% to N3.504 billion.

The NGX board proposed a final dividend of N1.5 billion, translating to 75 Kobo per share, in addition to an interim dividend of N495.53 million at 25 Kobo per share paid earlier in August 2023.

Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group, affirmed the company’s commitment to maximizing shareholder value, while CEO Temi Popoola expressed satisfaction with NGX’s operational performance and emphasized the company’s trajectory of growth and innovation in the upcoming fiscal year.