BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR——Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) announces the listing of the Federal Government’s N130 billion Sovereign Sukuk through the Debt Management Office (DMO) on its platform. The 10-year 15.64% Ijara Sukuk due 2032 was listed on NGX today, Thursday, 3 August 2023.
According to DMO, the Sovereign Sukuk opened for subscription in November 2022 with an initial offer of N100 billion and garnered immense interest from investors with a remarkable subscription level of N165.25 billion. This represented over 165% of the amount offered. In a bid to accommodate the needs of diverse investors who subscribed to the Sukuk, N130 billion was allocated.
The total Sovereign Sukuk issued from 2017 till date currently stands at N742.557 billion and the proceeds have facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of over 75 roads and bridges across the country. DMO said in a statement, “The listing of the N130 billion Sovereign Sukuk on the NGX will expand the range of financial offerings available to investors in the capital market. The opportunity to buy and sell the Sovereign Sukuk will provide liquidity to investors and promote price discovery.”
Jude Chiemeka, the Divisional Head of Capital Markets at NGX, commended the Debt Management Office under the leadership of Director-General Patience Oniha for their effective implementation and commitment to following due process in infrastructural financing. He emphasized the significance of the Sovereign Sukuk issuance and subsequent listing on NGX. “This listing demonstrates the federal government’s dedication to developing critical infrastructure through innovative and cost-effective financing structures. NGX is fully committed to providing a robust exchange infrastructure that facilitates efficient capital accessibility for the government to raise essential funds, addressing the infrastructural gap and boosting economic growth. The listing of the Sovereign Sukuk on the Exchange is seen as a positive move, offering an exit opportunity for existing investors and further strengthening the Nigerian capital market”.
