One of the strongest forces shaping investor sentiment in the Nigerian stock market is dividend payment.
Beyond just being a financial reward, dividends often serve as a powerful signal that can swing a stock’s outlook positively.
In the first half of 2025, Nigeria’s leading dividend-paying companies returned a total of N927.63 billion in cash to shareholders, comprising both final and annual dividend payments declared within the period.
This marks a 30% jump from the N715.47 billion disbursed in the same period of 2024, reflecting a surge in shareholder rewards.
Higher dividend payouts not only highlight strong profitability but also help draw more investors into the market.
This increased participation often translates into higher trading volumes and greater liquidity.
Analysts note that Nigerian investors are motivated by more than just the potential appreciation of share prices; they are also drawn to the steady income dividends provide.
Strong payouts tend to boost investor confidence, attract income-focused buyers, and in some cases, propel a company into the premium ranks of the exchange.
With that in mind, here are the top 10 Nigerian stocks that disbursed the most cash to shareholders in H1 2025, with the ranking based solely on what was received—whether as final or annual dividends.
Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc secured the 7th spot with a dividend payout of N24.8 billion in H1 2025.
This marks an 85.7% jump compared to the N13.3 billion paid in H1 2024, with shareholders qualified as of April 24, 2025, receiving N26.00 per share on May 22, 2025.
- The company’s revenue reserves rose to N76.6 billion from N53.9 billion in December 2024.
- Turnover for the half-year hit N129.8 billion, up from N75 billion, driven by stronger sales.
- Pretax profit more than doubled to N68.3 billion, compared with N30.4 billion in H1 2024.
