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NSE to Support Investors’ Right to Dividends

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Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has stated that it shall not hesitate to administer and enforce a 5% sanction on any Issuer that fails to pay dividends to its shareholders within the timeline specified in the resolution passed by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting at which such dividends were declared.

This is in line with one of its core strategic pillars for enhanced market performance and growth via sustaining a “strong investor protection” framework,.

It was made clear that the sanction is not a new proposal but part of the already existing General Undertaking in The Exchange’s Listings Requirements, which was executed by every Issuer before its securities were approved for listing on The NSE.

Ms. Tinuade Awe, head of Legal and Regulation Division at The NSE, stated that before securities are approved for listing on The Exchange, every Issuer has to execute a document known as the General Undertaking. The General Undertaking sets out the obligations imposed on an Issuer.

These commitments include the obligation to notify The Exchange prior to taking certain corporate actions; the obligation to seek The Exchange’s approval before publishing certain information; the obligation to comply with The Exchange’s Listings Rules; the obligation to comply with the directives of its shareholders in the event of declaration of dividends.

“These obligations kick in once an Issuer executes the General Undertaking. They are obligations of long standing, which remain binding for as long as an Issuer is listed on The Exchange. Section 14 of the General Undertaking, which is one of the Listings Requirements sets forth the sanctions for violations of the Rules.  Section 14(e) provides that failure of a listed company to pay dividend on the due date shall attract a fine of 5% of the total dividend amount declared.  (For the entirety of Section 14, please see our Listings Rules at http://www.nse.com.ng/regulation/issuer-regulation/rules-guidelines; ‘The Green Book’ page 57)” said Awe.

“On 21 July 2014, in connection with the publication of certain amendments to the Listings Rules which were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 19 May 2014, The Exchange republished the sanctions provisions of its Listings Rules, i.e., Section 14 on its website. Although Section 14 was published with the amendments, which are new, as explained above the Section is not new. 

Ergo, Section 14(e) is not a new provision.  It is unequivocally binding on every Issuer whose securities are listed on The Exchange. 

Indeed, The Exchange republished Section 14 of the General Undertaking as Rule 30.5 of the SEC approved “Amendments to the Listings Rules” in order to remind Issuers of their obligations and the corresponding sanctions under the Listings Rules” added Awe.

Commenting on the issue, Mrs Josephine Igbinosun,  head of Listings Regulation at The Exchange, noted that there were a host of reasons why The Exchange may penalize specific conduct. In the instant case, there are two primary reasons, namely: to encourage a change in unacceptable behaviour; and to act as deterrent against engaging in conduct which violates applicable rules.

By imposing the 5% sanction set forth in Section 14(e) in the event of a breach regarding the payment of dividends as directed by shareholders, The Exchange is enforcing the payment of dividends to shareholders, in line with their resolution to receive same on a specific date. In essence, Section 14(e) sends a reminder to the directors of the Issuer that the directives of the shareholders in general meetings must be obeyed. 

“The Exchange wishes to draw the attention of the investing public to the SEC Rule (2013) Part B, Rule 44(1) on Payment of Dividends which also imposes an obligation on Issuers to ensure payment of dividends declared to shareholders not later than seven (7) working days after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at which the dividend was declared. Rule 601(7) of the SEC Rules provides for Administrative Sanctions; and empowers the SEC to impose fines for non-compliance with its Rules and Regulations.

Finally, in order to avoid engaging in conducts prohibited by the Listings Rules, The Exchange encourages all Issuers to enhance their internal systems and controls; and improve their awareness of the Listings Rules and their obligations thereunder. Moreover, The Exchange strongly advises against shareholder apathy and encourages shareholders to educate themselves on the provisions of the Listings Rules” added Igbinosun.

She further stated that The NSE recently upgraded its website so as to make information about Issuers, The Exchange and the Nigerian Capital Market more accessible to investors and other stakeholders. Interested parties may wish to visit the website.


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E-Financial

DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

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DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled the announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust, a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to establish single asset trusts for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that people’s assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management.

The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families to effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors or Corporations, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes.

The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level.

DLM Trust Company, acting as the designated Trustee, holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation.

“As a game-changer in the trust services industry, the DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.”

The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities.

As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.


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UBA Champions Youth Empowerment through Graduate Programme, Employs 398 Across Africa

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United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank held the second edition of its expanded Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) class of 2024, where 398 young Africans were inducted into the UBA Tribe after a rigorous six-month hands-on-work and learning experience.

The event, which was held in a grand ceremony in Eko Hotel, Lagos on Thursday, was graced by esteemed guests, the UBA management, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating class.

The granduads are from six African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Addressing the gathering, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who congratulated all the graduates, expressed profound pride and admiration for their success having completed the intense capacity-building programme, combining learning with on-the-job training experience, garnered while rotating across several departments and units in the bank.

Elumelu took time to highlight the bank’s passion for youth empowerment in Africa, while bridging the unemployment gap, which according to him, remains one of the greatest challenges of the continent.

“For me these young UBA Graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African Group, that invests in African talent.This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face – a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need – so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner our government in improving lives and livelihoods. This is Africapitalism, and it is gratifying to see UBA play its part. UBA is dedicated to creating a positive impact, through the GMAP programme UBA is creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives across Africa,” Group Chairman said.

Continuing, he said, “At UBA, identifying these young ones, bringing them to the centre, training them, equipping them for the future and the task ahead, not just for a career in UBA, but wherever they end up remains our passion, because this is how we play our role as a Pan-African bank, in helping to empower the next generation, which is the African youth. We are helping to create employment and this for us is our driving force.”

Earlier in his speech, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduating class for their unwavering commitment and emphasized the program’s role in cultivating the next generation of UBA leaders.

“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador, and today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family.

While recognizing the invaluable support extended by families and friends, the GMD said, “Let us take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for their steadfast support as the invaluable support of your families and friends throughout this journey. Their love, encouragement, and understanding have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in your success.”

UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said the bank remains committed to nurturing talent and leadership within the organisation. She noted that the GMAP programme, which marked its second graduation will be a continuous initiative, as it culminates an intensive journey towards leadership excellence.

“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 graduates, that is about 700 in 2023 and now we have 398 graduates. The fact remains that at UBA, we believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background; and so, we will continue to pursue our dream to nurture these young ones to their full potential,” she added.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-five million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries and across 4 continents.

With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France and more recently the United Arab Emirates, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.


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Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

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Nigerian banks on Thursday announced that they will kick-start the implementation of the stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent on loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds.

Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

This is coming after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had directed banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that requires duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages.

According to the FIRS, as the manner of business transactions continue to evolve and change pattern, the law on stamp duties will also change. It noted that the stamp duties has therefore undergone several amendments over the years up to the Finance Act 2019.

Stamp duty is essentially a duty chargeable on both physical and electronic instruments. The stamp duties Act defines duty to mean “any stamp duty for the time being chargeable under any act and also includes any fee chargeable hereunder”.

In several email notifications sent to its customers, banks revealed that they will start implementing the FIRS directive while adding that the charge will be applied to the value of the assets and remitted back to the revenue office.

Access Bank in an email notification titled to its customers, “Stamp Duty Automation Update”, said, “We will like to inform you that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed all Nigerian banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that require duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages”.

The bank noted that in compliance to this directive, it have taken measures to streamline the process to make transactions more convenient for its customers.

“To this end, a stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent will be applied to loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds. The charge will be applied on the value of legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds and remitted to the FIRS”, the bank said.

Access Bank added that all previously approved loans will remain unchanged and should be repaid in full as per the agreed terms and conditions.

“We are committed to providing you with exceptional service”, it said.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government stated it is looking to expand net on transactions covered by the stamp duty charges from regular bank transfers.

 

 


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