Nigeria, June 9 -- Mid-tier lender FCMB Group reported on Monday a 147.7 per cent lead in net profit to the highest level on record, supported by a remarkable improvement in interest income, its primary source of revenue.

After-tax profit accelerated to N177.3 billion from N73.3 billion a year ago, according to its audited earnings report filed at the Nigerian Exchange.

Shares in the financial services group had jumped by 7.6 per cent on Lagos' Customs Street as of 11:30 WAT, following the release of the results.

FCMB Group has operations in asset management, pensions, trusteeship and microfinance in addition to its core commercial banking business.

The board of directors has proposed a cash dividend of N0.35 per unit, translating int...