Unilever Nigeria posts ₦26.4bn profit for nine months, declares ₦11.5bn dividend

Unilever Nigeria made a net profit of ₦26.4 billion in the nine months to 30 September 2026, up 20% from ₦21.9 billion a year earlier, according to its unaudited results released on Friday.

Revenue climbed 18% to ₦184.0 billion from ₦155.4 billion over the same period in 2025. The maker of household names in food, home care and personal care also grew gross profit by 34% to ₦85.5 billion, lifting its gross margin to 46.4% from 41.2%.

Operating profit rose 27% to ₦38.5 billion. The board has approved an interim dividend of ₦2.00 per ordinary share, before withholding tax, for shareholders on the register at the close of business on 30 October 2026. That adds up to ₦11.5 billion in total.

Why it matters to shoppers

For everyday Nigerians, the numbers point to a familiar squeeze. Managing director Tobi Adeniyi said demand weakened in the third quarter because households had less money to spend.

"Household disposable incomes remained constrained," Adeniyi said.

He said the company responded by keeping its products available, pushing affordable innovations and spending carefully on its brands. That mix, he said, delivered steady sales growth and the jump in gross and net profit.

Unilever's products sit in many Nigerian homes, from seasoning cubes to soap and toothpaste. How the company prices and packages them matters at a time when many families are watching every naira. Adeniyi said the firm remains confident in Nigeria's long-term potential and will keep investing in its brands, operations and people.

What happens next

Shareholders whose names are on the register by 30 October will receive the ₦2 per share payout, subject to withholding tax. The results are unaudited, so final figures will come with the company's full-year statement. Investors will also watch whether consumer demand recovers in the last quarter of the year.