FG Offers Investors Fresh Savings Bonds

The Federal Government, on Monday, offered a two-year and three-year savings bonds for subscription.

The Debt Management Office said in a circular that the bonds were backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

According to the DMO, the closing date of the offer for subscription is June 8, and is due for settlement on June 13, while the coupon payment dates of the bonds are September 13, December 13, March 13, 2019, and June 13, 2019.

“The bonds qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act, and qualifies as a government security within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act, for tax exemption for pension funds, amongst other investors,” it said.

The DMO said the two-year bonds would be due on June 13, 2020, while the three-year bonds would be due on June 13, 2021, at the annual rates of 10.344 per cent and 11.344 per cent, respectively.

According to the statement, the unit of sale is N1,000 per unit, subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000, and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50m.

“Interested investors should contact the stockbroking firms appointed as distribution agents by the debt management office, or visit the DMO website for the list of distribution agents,” the DMO said.

The savings bond programme, which was introduced in March 2017 to boost domestic investors’ participation in the bond market, was aimed at broadening the country’s funding base and encouraging savings culture among Nigerians.