capital market

Nigeria’s credit risk: NGX Group targets improvement, foreign investment inflows

Published

10 months ago

July 17, 2023

By Philemon Adedeji

Amid bullish sentiments seen in Nigeria’s stock market recently, the Board and Management of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) have said that they are open to working with the Federal government, as well as stakeholders towards improving the country’s credit profile and creating a favorable environment for both domestic and foreign.

This was disclosed by the Group Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, during the Group’s 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place in Lagos on Friday.

Addressing shareholders at the meeting, Kwairanga, lauded President Tinubu-led administration for the various reforms that have resulted in the impressive performance of the market.

“The capital market community is excited by the new government and the steps it has so far taken with respect to the economy as reflected in the tremendous growth in our market indicators. As a group, we are committed to working with the government to stimulate further growth in the economy, address higher capital costs, as this will go a long way to enhance Nigeria’s credit profile, and create a favourable environment for both domestic and foreign investors,” he said.

Kwairanga further noted that the Federal government needs to eke out more friendly market policies that will engender growth as consistent and faithful implementation of market policies will help businesses to thrive. He added that the group is hopeful that the planned Initial Public Offer (IPO) of the NNPC Limited will be fast-tracked by the Tinubu-led administration.

Speaking on the performance of the group, Kwairanga noted that NGX Group demonstrated resilience in 2022, achieving a 10.3 per cent increase in gross earnings to N7.5 billion, despite a challenging economic environment. The Group’s total revenue grew primarily due to a 6.8 per cent increase in revenue to N6.2 billion, and a 30.1 per cent increase in other income to N1.3 billion.

The growth in its revenue was further bolstered by a 51.2 per cent increase in treasury investment income and a 9.0 per cent increase in transaction fees. However, its total expenses rose by 35.5 per cent to N8.8 billion, primarily due to interest costs on borrowed funds used for strategic acquisitions.

“Achieving an efficient capital mix and broadening our access to capital remain fundamental to our mission. The Board will continue to assist the Management team in addressing long-term risks, strengthening the global NGX brand, and assessing progress toward our goal of being Africa’s preferred exchange hub,” remarked Kwairanga.

While welcoming the new board members, Kwairanga commended the contributions of the outgoing board members to the growth and development of the organization.

Commending the group’s performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Oscar N. Onyema, OON, said the performance reflects NGX Group’s commitment towards driving growth in Nigeria and Africa’s capital markets. Onyema further added that the group is proud to have generated multiple income streams that enabled it to overcome economic headwinds.

Speaking on the group’s outlook, Onyema expressed optimism around the opportunities and challenges ahead and emphasised the group’s commitment to leveraging its strengths and expertise to drive growth and value creation in Nigeria and other financial markets Africa.

“NGX Group will continue supporting its operating subsidiaries, associates, and investee companies to deliver sustainable value creation for its shareholders. We will look to enhance our performance by continuously striving to optimise operations, increase revenue streams and expand our market reach.

“We are confident that these measures will enable us to build on the positive momentum we have achieved in recent years and drive growth in 2023 and beyond,” he said.

Shareholders approved all resolutions on the agenda, which included the appointment of six Directors of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc: Mr Nonso Okpala (Non-Executive Director), Mr Sehinde Adenagbe (Non-Executive Director), Mr Ademola Babarinde (Non-Executive Director), Mrs Mosun Belo – Olusoga (Independent Non-Executive Director), Mr Mohammed Garuba (Non-Executive Director) and Mrs Fatima Wali- Abdurraham (Independent Non-Executive Director).

capital market

FG lists N4.214bn April savings bonds on NGX

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2024

NewsDirect

The Federal Government has listed its April 2024 Savings Bonds worth N4.214 billion on the Nigerian Exchange Limited platform.

This was disclosed in the market bulletin signed by Godstime Iwenekhai, Head, Issuers Regulation Department of NGX.

According to the bulletin, “Trading License Holders are hereby notified that the April 2024 Issue of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Savings Bonds was listed on Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on May 13, 2024.”

Details of the Bonds include FGS April 2026, 1.228 million units valued at N1.228 billion at a coupon rate of 17.046 percent, while FGS April 2027, 2.986 million units amounted to N2.986 billion at a coupon rate of 18.046 percent.

The bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria, according to the debt office.

FGN Savings Bond is issued monthly in tenors of two and three years with quarterly payment of coupons (interest) at a rate predetermined and published by the DMO every month.

The retail savings bond product was introduced by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the Federal Government in 2017 to democratise its activities in the bond market by making it easily accessible to Nigerians to ensure continuous development of the domestic market and bridge infrastructure deficit which has been a constraint to economic growth.

capital market

LCFE inducts 23 commodities brokers

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2024

NewsDirect

As part of its capacity building functions, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), has onboarded and inducted another 23 Commodities Brokers, the fourth edition in the series, to increase the number of professionals to specialise in various asset classes in the Nigerian commodities ecosystem.

On the list of those inducted last week were the Managing Director, Dynamic Portfolio Limited, Mr Remi Lasaki and many Chief Executive Officers of stockbroking companies in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, LCFE’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Akin Akeredolu-Ale, urged the inductees join hands with The Exchange to build a virile commodities market that shall be beneficial to all.

“LCFE is working hard to build a market that will benefit the entire Capital Market and its brokers. Each broker can select a commodity and dedicate their focus on it, thereby enhancing your company’s wealth, your individual skill set and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian Economy.

“Together, let us seize this opportunity to build a vibrant and dynamic marketplace that unlocks new possibilities for investors, enhances economic prosperity, and positions Nigeria as a leader in commodities trading.

“The Exchange is actively engaging with the Securities and Exchange Commission to obtain approval for more products like Lithium, diamond and Oil and Gas commodities. Just yesterday, we signed an MOU with a Global Certification Agent Bureau Veritas to certify lithium and other Solid Mineral commodities to be traded on LCFE. Additionally, we have made significant strides in the Cashew ecosystem, signing an MOU with the Cashew Association of Nigeria (CAN), aggregators, and a major cashew processor.

“Eko Gold also represents a pioneering investment opportunity within our commodities ecosystem, leveraging stability and transparency to diversify options, attract capital, and create value across the value chain. LCFE is fully committed to supporting its growth and providing brokers with the tools and guidance needed for effective promotion of the asset classes,” said Akeredolu-Ale.

Corroborating him, the Chairman, Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr Sam Onukwue, noted LCFE was established for total transformation of commodities exchanges in Nigeria and boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The underpinning drive for establishing the exchange was the need to transform and reposition the commodities market and harness opportunities in the commodities ecosystem. This drive will enhance and crate value for all stakeholders in the ecosystem,” he said.

The newly elected President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Oluropo Dada, congratulated the inductees and advised them to uphold the ethical standard of the profession and operate with skills and integrity.

Akeredolu-Ale also congratulated the new board and management of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under the new Director General, Dr Emomotimi Agada.

In July last year, the Pan African Exchange inducted 33 commodities brokers, including the first female office holder at Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mrs Fiona Ahimie.

capital market

Tinubu asks Senate to confirm four board members of SEC

Published

4 days ago

May 16, 2024

NewsDirect

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to screen and confirm four persons appointed as board members of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex regulator of Nigeria’s Capital Market.

The President’s request was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during the plenary on Wednesday.

The appointed members of the SEC are Emomotimi Agama, Frana Chukwuogor, Bola Ajomale and Samiya Hassan-Usman.

While Agama was appointed as Director-General, Mr Chukwuogor will serve as Executive Commissioner (Legal and Enforcement) of the Security and Exchange Commission. Ajomale was appointed as Executive Commissioner (Operations) while Hassan-Usman was appointed as Executive Commissioner (Corporate Services).

In April, President Tinubu approved the appointment of seven persons as members of the SEC pending their confirmations by the Senate. But, only four names were transmitted to the Senate for confirmation and Tinubu did not give reasons for not including the names of the other three professionals.

In the letter, the President explained that the appointment complied with the provisions of section (1) of the Investment and Security Act of 2007.

“Confirmation of appointment of the Director-General and Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

“By the provision of sections 3 and 5 (1) of theInvestment and Securities Act 2007. I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the under-listed four nominees as Director-General and Commissioners of Securities and Exchange Commission,” he said.

The president urged the lawmakers to expedite the screening and confirmation process.

The Senate President thereafter referred the request to the Senate Committee on Capital Markets to report back to the Senate within two weeks.