The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Shehu Shantali as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment has received full regulatory approval.

Shantali succeeds Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, who is stepping down after eight years of leadership marked by strategic growth, operational excellence, and transformative contributions to Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure.

CSCS Chairman Mr. Temi Popoola expressed confidence in Shantali’s abilities, citing his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and strategic vision. “The board is confident he will build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor and lead the company into its next phase of growth,” Popoola said.

Shantali emphasized his commitment to collaboration with the board, management, regulators, and market participants to strengthen CSCS’s leadership position, deliver stakeholder value, and support the continued growth and stability of Nigeria’s capital market. He also reaffirmed the company’s dedication to corporate governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement.

Reflecting on his tenure, Jalo-Waziri highlighted the success of critical initiatives, modernization of systems, and strengthened governance, noting that these achievements positioned CSCS for long-term resilience and competitiveness. Popoola also thanked him for his contributions, saying, “His leadership enhanced stakeholder confidence, deepened the organization’s market relevance, and established a future-ready foundation for continued success.”

Shantali holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University and an Executive MBA from Kingster Business School. He brings over 20 years of experience in accounting, finance, and financial services across Nigeria and the UK, including investment banking, asset management, financial advisory, and IFRS compliance.

He previously served at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, leading transitions from Nigerian GAAP to IFRS and overseeing the move to the contributory pension scheme. As CEO of Apricot Investments Limited, he developed the MicroWorld platform, enabling access to micro-health, micro-pension, micro-housing, micro-insurance, and micro-investment products.

Shantali also pioneered Nigeria’s first contactless payment solution and contributed to early mobile-money interoperability and POS-based agency banking, strengthening the country’s digital financial infrastructure.

With his extensive experience and proven track record, Shantali is expected to guide CSCS through its next growth phase, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.