FMDQ Exchange announces the listing of the Federal Government of Nigeria 6.125% $1.25billion SEP 2028, 7.375% $1.50billion SEP 2033 and 8.250% $1.25billion SEP 2051 Eurobonds under its Global Medium-Term Note Programme on its platform.
The listing of these foreign currency-denominated debt securities is yet another commendable feat for the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the Debt Management Office (DMO), according to a statement from FMDQ.
This also demonstrates the government’s unrelenting commitment to supporting the development of the nation’s debt capital markets (DCM) towards sustainable economic development.
These issuances represent the FGN’s seventh Eurobond issuances, following the issuances in 2011, 2013, 2017 and 2019.
The admission of these Eurobonds, co-sponsored by Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited and FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, both Registration Members (Listings) of the Exchange, is reflective of the potential of the Nigerian DCM.
It further shows the commendable level of confidence demonstrated by both issuer and investors, and validates the efficient processes and integrated systems through which FMDQ Group PLC via its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Speaking on the successful issuance of the Eurobonds, the Director-General, DMO, Ms. Patience Oniha, said: “This issuance was one of the largest financial trades in Africa in 2021, and also with aligns the objectives of the Nigeria’s Debt Management Strategy (2020-2023).
“Investors’ keen interest in the issuance as shown by the Order Book of over $12 billion demonstrated confidence in Nigeria’s economy, with bids being received from international investors across Europe, America and Asia as well as robust participation from domestic investors.
“The Eurobonds enabled access to International Capital Markets inflow of foreign exchange and increased our External Reserves. DMO achieved this successful outing through the team of International Arrangers, Nigerian Bookrunner (the primary underwriter), the Financial Adviser and the Legal Advisers.
“The proceeds of the Eurobonds were applied to part-finance the deficit in the 2021 Appropriation Act. The Eurobonds have been listed on the London Stock Exchange and FMDQ Exchange.”
Investors’ keen interest in the issuance as shown by the Order Book of over $12 billion demonstrated confidence in Nigeria’s economy, with bids being received from international investors across Europe, America and Asia as well as robust participation from domestic investors.
Appointing a bookrunner
Also commenting on the successful issuance, the Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Bolaji Balogun, said: “Chapel Hill Denham is honoured to have acted as Nigerian Bookrunner and Joint Lead Manager on the FGN’s $4 billion Triple-Tranche Issuance.
“The FGN and DMO appointed a Nigerian Bookrunner for the first time on a Sovereign Issuance and the firm delivered the largest ever domestic demand on a Eurobond Issuance, enabling the FGN price tightly, notwithstanding tricky market conditions.”
Also, the Managing Director, FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Mrs Bukola Smith, said: “FSDH Merchant Bank Limited is pleased to have acted as Financial Adviser to the FGN on the issuance of the $4 billion Triple-Tranche Eurobonds.
“The Eurobonds were oversubscribed by 300% and saw significant demand from a diverse cohort of large ticket investors and was indicative of confidence in Nigeria and our economy; despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The listing of the Eurobonds on FMDQ Exchange will provide visibility and enhance the liquidity of the Eurobonds. We would like to thank the FGN, the DMO and the investor community for their support in ensuring the successful capital raise.”
FMDQ Group is Africa’s first vertically integrated financial market infrastructure group, strategically positioned to provide registration, listing, quotation and a host of other financial services.