Top NGX SWOOT Dividend Stocks for January 2026 Investment
Nigeria’s equity market concluded 2025 with remarkable strength, posting a year-to-date surge of over 51%. This performance was significantly driven by the SWOOT (Stocks Worth Over One Trillion) segment, where twenty-two companies achieved an average share price gain of 69%. Notably, Presco, MTNN, International Breweries, Okomu Oil, Nigerian Breweries, and Nestle recorded triple-digit growth. However, these capital gains are only realized upon sale, highlighting the importance of accessible, recurring returns through dividend income.
Dividends represent a direct share of corporate profits distributed to shareholders and provide a tangible income stream. Among SWOOT companies, dividend policies vary; Dangote Cement and BUA Foods typically pay only final dividends, while banks, Seplat, Okomu, and Presco distribute both interim and final dividends, with Seplat operating a quarterly schedule. For income-focused investors, key evaluation metrics include dividend yield, growth, and payout sustainability. A higher yield indicates greater cash return for each Naira invested.
As analysts project that inflation will reduce further in 2026, says one financial expert, the environment may become increasingly favorable for income-generating assets. In this context, the banking sector stands out for its robust yields. Meanwhile, in broader economic news, a group denies planned disruptions, and reports of outrage as Neca comments on recent policy surface, underscoring the dynamic backdrop for investment decisions. Separately, business leader Otedola calls N1 trillion market cap a significant benchmark for corporate resilience.
Seplat Energy emerges as a premier income stock on the NGX, supported by a consistent quarterly dividend policy. Over the past five years, the company has maintained an average payout ratio of 49% while growing dividends at an annualized rate of 68%. In 2024, Seplat paid N263.27 per share across four quarters plus a special dividend of N158 billion, reflecting a 78% total payout. Based on this trend, Seplat’s Q4 2025 dividend is estimated near N80 per share. Management’s target of $1 billion in cumulative dividends by 2030 positions the company for sustained income growth, with its total 2025 payout projected to offer a yield exceeding 5%.
This analysis, provided by Chartered Stockbroker Idika, emphasizes strategic dividend investing as global attention remains divided, with headlines on Gaza civil defence operations running parallel to local market developments. For investors seeking reliable income in January 2026, a focus on high-yield, sustainable dividend payers within the SWOOT category is a compelling strategy.
