BY KENNETH EZE
Retail participation in the Nigerian capital market was the focus, during a webinar hosted by the Nigerian Exchange Limited in collaboration with APT Securities and Funds Limited.
Themed, ‘Sukuk and Green Bonds: More Than Just Investing,’ the organisers sought to use the Retail Investor Workshop for the enlightenment of investors, particularly those at the retail segment of the benefits in this segment of the market.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer, NGX Limited, Temi Popoola, highlighted the successes achieved with the growth of Sukuk and Green Bond Investment in Nigeria.
He said, “The potential for Sukuk and Green Bonds remains immense and is likely to expand over the years underpinned by new markets, products and issuers and healthy investor investors’ appetite.
“The Exchange will continue to provide an efficient and liquid market for investors and businesses in Africa, to save and access ethical and SDG complaint capital and investments.
“We promise to continue our collaboration with all market stakeholders, to collectively contribute towards the enhancement of this exciting asset class, and ultimately towards the growth of Green and Sukuk Bonds in Nigeria and Africa at large,” he noted.
Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Lamido Yuguda, represented by Abdulkabir Abass said, “I congratulate the conveners of this webinar, NGX, for its consistency in holding educational programmes such as this which are focused on building capacity and growth the depth and breadth of the market.
“This is particularly noteworthy in the emerging segments of non-interest and socially responsible investment.
“As the apex regulator, the SEC has the dual responsibility of regulation and market development. Forums like this, therefore, afford us the opportunity to educate retail investors on the gain of investing in the Nigeria capital market through Green and Sukuk Bonds.
“These segments of the market are quite unique and boast full potential that can facilitate the deepening of financial systems while spurring the growth of the economy, making this deliberation indeed timely.”
The webinar featured a presentation on Harnessing Green Bond as a Tool for Personal Growth, by the Assistant Director, Securities Issuance Unit, Debt Management Office, Adamu Mohammed.
Muhammed pointed out that investors were increasingly demanding socially responsible investment and expressed a strong appetite for Green Bonds as evidenced by subscription rates in Nigeria’s Sovereign Green Bonds increasing to 220 per cent in 2019 over the 110 per cent at the debut Issuance.
Managing Director/CEO APT Securities and Funds Limited, Kasimu Garba Kurfi, also provided insights on bridging the gap between ethical investing and socio economic development, before going on to feature in a panel session alongside Ummahani Ahmad Amin, Board Member, NGX; and Afolabi Olowookere, Head, Economic Research and Policy Management Division, SEC.
