‎Nigeria’s CSCS names Shehu Shantali CEO as Haruna Jalo-Waziri bows out‎

By Chioma Obinagwam
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‎ The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS), Nigeria’s premier central securities depository, has announced the appointment of Shehu Yahaya Shantali as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026.
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‎Confiance News gathered that the appointment follows regulatory approval and marks a significant leadership transition for the key player in Nigeria’s capital market.
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‎Shantali succeeds Haruna Jalo-Waziri, who concludes an impactful eight-year tenure praised for driving strategic growth, operational modernization, and enhanced stakeholder confidence in the Nigerian capital market infrastructure.
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‎ Outgoing CEO Haruna Jalo-Waziri’s Legacy in Nigeria Capital Market
‎Under Jalo-Waziri’s leadership since 2017, CSCS achieved sustained growth through visionary initiatives, strengthened governance, and system upgrades that bolstered long-term resilience. His efforts deepened market relevance domestically and internationally, solidifying CSCS’s role in equities, bonds, ETFs, and other securities clearing and settlement.
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‎Board Chairman Temi Popoola lauded Jalo-Waziri’s contributions: “On behalf of the Board, we express profound appreciation for his outstanding service, notable milestones, operational excellence, innovation, and stakeholder trust.”
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‎Reflecting on his tenure, Jalo-Waziri said: “It has been an honour to serve CSCS. I am proud of our team’s achievements and grateful for the support from the Board, management, regulators, and stakeholders. CSCS is well-positioned for the future.”
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‎Incoming CEO Shehu Yahaya Shantali: Profile and Expertise
‎Shehu Yahaya Shantali brings over two decades of experience in accounting, finance, capital markets, investment banking, and financial services across Nigeria and the UK. A Bachelor of Science in Accounting graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, he also holds an Executive MBA from Kingston Business School (noted in some sources as Kingster).
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‎His career highlights include a decade at Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where he led the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the contributory pension scheme. Shantali has pioneered digital financial innovations, including Nigeria’s first contactless payment solution, POS-based agency banking, and mobile-money interoperability on the NIBSS platform.
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‎Most recently, as Managing Director/CEO of Apricot Investments Limited, he developed the MicroWorld platform for distributing micro-financial products like micro-pension, micro-insurance, micro-health, micro-housing, and micro-investments—advancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.
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‎Chairman Popoola welcomed Shantali: “He brings wealth of experience, deep industry knowledge, and strong strategic vision. We are confident he will build on the solid foundation and lead CSCS into its next growth phase.”
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‎Shantali expressed enthusiasm: “I am deeply honoured by this appointment. CSCS is critical to Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem, and I look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen our leadership, deliver value, and support market growth and stability.”
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‎CSCS Plc reaffirmed its commitment to corporate governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement while supporting Nigeria’s evolving capital market.
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‎Confiance News learnt that the CSCS CEO appointment 2026 signals continued innovation in Nigeria’s financial market infrastructure amid growing demands for efficiency and inclusion.
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