Shareholders of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc have approved the payment of N12.18 billion in cash dividends and the distribution of 278.44 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each as bonus shares for the 2025 business year. The approvals were granted at the company's annual general meeting held over the weekend.
Dividend and Bonus Details
The N12.18 billion cash dividend for the 2025 business year represents an increase from the N11.58 billion paid for the 2024 business year. This marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in dividend payouts in NAHCO's long history of unbroken dividend payments. Shareholders received a dividend per share of N6.25 for the 2025 business year. Additionally, with the bonus issue of one ordinary share of 50 kobo for every seven ordinary shares held, shareholders experienced an automatic 14.3% increase in their shareholdings. For instance, a shareholder with 1,000 shares received an additional 143 bonus shares, increasing the total shareholding to 1,143 shares.
Shareholder Reactions
At the meeting, shareholders expressed satisfaction with NAHCO's sustained performance and the investor-friendly disposition of the board. They noted that the company has continued to demonstrate strong fundamental performance each year, leading to consecutive improvements in dividends. Dr. Faruk Umar, President of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), stated that the company's fundamental performance has given shareholders hope for continuous dividend increases. He said, "They have done very well. NAHCO is a delight to us as shareholders. Look at the results, look at the share price and look at our dividends; everything is so remarkable. Last year, the price was N80 per share; today it is over N200, that's an increase of more than 150%. Keep growing the business, which gives us hope of higher dividends. We believe the dividend next year will be much higher."
Sunny Nwosu, Founding National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), also commended NAHCO for its performance and dividends. He attributed the steady rally of the company's share price to strong demand from shareholders who want more NAHCO shares, while existing shareholders are reluctant to sell such a highly rewarding investment.
