Senator Osita Izunaso has called for the continuous review of Nigeria’s capital market laws to ensure they remain responsive to emerging economic realities, technological innovation, and global investment trends. He said modernising the country’s regulatory framework is essential for attracting investment, strengthening market confidence, and supporting long-term economic growth.

Speaking on the importance of legislative reforms, Izunaso noted that the capital market is a critical driver of national development, providing businesses with access to long-term financing while creating wealth-building opportunities for investors. He stressed that outdated laws could limit market efficiency and reduce Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global financial system.

The senator explained that regular updates to capital market legislation would improve investor protection, enhance transparency, encourage innovation, and create a more resilient financial ecosystem. He also emphasised the need for regulations that can accommodate emerging financial technologies and evolving investment products.

According to him, a dynamic legal framework would help strengthen corporate governance, improve market integrity, and increase domestic and foreign investor confidence. He added that effective regulation is vital for sustaining economic expansion and supporting private sector development.

Financial experts have also advocated periodic reforms to Nigeria’s capital market laws, noting that evolving market conditions require regulatory systems that promote efficiency, accountability, and sustainable investment. They believe stronger legal and institutional frameworks will encourage greater participation in the capital market and deepen financial inclusion.

Stakeholders maintain that collaboration between lawmakers, regulators, financial institutions, and market operators will be essential to developing policies that support innovation while maintaining market stability and investor confidence.

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The board of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has approved a 50 per cent increase in cash dividend payouts and a bonus share issue following a strong improvement in profitability for the 2025 financial year.

Directors declared a final dividend of N2 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2025 business year to N3 per share, compared to N2 per share paid for 2024.

In addition, shareholders will receive one bonus share for every three shares held as at close of business on April 10, 2026—effectively increasing investors’ shareholdings by more than 33 per cent.

Revenue and Profit Surge

Key extracts from the group’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, show that revenue rose by 36 per cent from N16.9 billion in 2024 to N22.9 billion in 2025.

Operating profit climbed by 44.4 per cent to N11.8 billion, while profit before tax increased from N13.6 billion in 2024 to N15.6 billion in 2025. Earnings per share improved to N4.75.

Total assets grew from N68 billion to N71 billion, and shareholders’ funds rose to N55.2 billion, reflecting strengthened financial stability and retained earnings growth.

Board Signals Confidence

Group Chairman, Umaru Kwairanga, said the combined dividend increase and bonus issue demonstrate balanced capital allocation—rewarding shareholders while preserving financial flexibility for strategic expansion.

According to him, the group’s improved debt-to-equity ratio underscores a conservative capital structure, enhanced solvency profile and strong earnings retention.

“Our 2025 performance demonstrates the resilience of our business model and the effectiveness of disciplined strategic execution,” Kwairanga said. “Strong revenue growth, improved operating margins and a strengthened balance sheet reinforce our commitment to delivering sustainable long-term shareholder value.”

He added that the dividend hike and bonus issue reflect the board’s confidence in the sustainability of earnings and the robustness of the company’s capital position.

Growth Driven by Market Confidence

Kwairanga attributed revenue expansion to sustained growth across core business segments, improved customer penetration, heightened investor activity and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

He expressed optimism that the positive momentum recorded in 2025 would be sustained, citing a pipeline of new listings expected to broaden and deepen the market.

MD Highlights Strong Balance Sheet

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, said the group achieved strong top-line growth and enhanced profitability, supported by improved operating efficiency and successful deleveraging.

He noted that evolving regulatory standards—including the recent upward review of minimum capital requirements by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—position NGX Group to leverage its robust balance sheet.

“Our strengthened capital base enables us to meet new regulatory thresholds seamlessly while continuing to invest in liquidity expansion, product innovation and market infrastructure,” Popoola said.

Outlook for 2026

With improved liquidity, diversified revenue streams and a strengthened capital base, NGX Group says it remains well positioned to sustain growth and enhance long-term value creation.

Market analysts say the dividend increase and bonus share issuance could further boost investor sentiment in the Nigerian equities market, particularly as institutional and retail investors seek stable returns amid shifting macroeconomic conditions.

The 2025 financial performance signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure and highlights NGX Group’s strategic role in deepening and modernising the country’s financial ecosystem.

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