Onome Amuge
The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) has announced the appointment of Shehu Yahaya Shantali as its new chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026, following regulatory clearance. Shantali succeeds Haruna Jalo-Waziri, who is stepping down after an eight-year tenure credited with modernizing Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure.
Under Jalo-Waziri, CSCS is said to have executed critical initiatives, strengthened governance, and modernised operational systems, strengthening both domestic and international stakeholder confidence. The outgoing CEO leaves behind a legacy of operational resilience and innovation, which has positioned the clearinghouse for sustained growth.
Commenting on the leadership transition, Temi Popoola, chairman of CSCS, said: “Under Haruna Jalo-Waziri, the Company recorded notable milestones and built an impressive legacy of operational excellence, innovation, and stakeholder confidence. We are equally delighted to welcome Shehu Shantali, whose experience and strategic vision will build on this solid foundation.”
Shantali brings over two decades of experience across accounting, finance, and financial services in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. His expertise spans investment and asset management, financial advisory, and implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). He previously spent a decade at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, where he oversaw the migration of listed entities from Nigerian GAAP to IFRS and led the transition to the contributory pension scheme in 2012.
As managing director and CEO of Apricot Investments Limited, Shantali developed the MicroWorld platform, enabling distribution of micro-financial products including micro-health, micro-pension, and micro-investment solutions. He also contributed to pioneering digital financial infrastructure initiatives, including Nigeria’s first contactless payment solution, POS-based agency banking, and early mobile-money interoperability on the NIBSS NIP platform.
Reflecting on his tenure, Jalo-Waziri said: “It has been an honour to serve as CEO of CSCS. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident the Company is well positioned for the future.” Shantali, in turn, described the appointment as a deep honour, adding: “CSCS plays a critical role in Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem. I look forward to working with the Board, management, regulators, and market participants to further strengthen the Company’s leadership position and support the continued growth and stability of the capital market.”
CSCS reaffirmed its commitment to corporate governance, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement as it enters a new phase under Shantali’s leadership.
