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Law relating to the Conditions for the Issuance and Regulation of Government Bonds in Nigeria


Bonds are fixed income security issued as debt instrument with low interest yield. It is a loan instrument used to raise long-term capital for infrastructural development. Bonds are negotiable debt instruments. There cannot be a perpetual bond. The maximum life span is 25 years. Any amount to be sold through bonds must not be more than half of the total income of the company in the preceding financial year.

Who Can Issue Government Bond (section 222 of the Investment and Securities Act 2007

a.        The Federal Government
b.       Federal Government Agencies
c.        State Government and their agencies
d.       The Federal Capital Territory and its agencies
e.        Local Governments and
f.        Any company which is wholly owned by the Federal, State, Federal Capital Territory and Local Government.

If the Federal Government issues bonds, it is called sovereign bond. But, if the States, local governments, and government agencies issue bonds, it is called revenue bonds. In similar vein, cities within local governments issue municipal bonds.

Law Regulating Government Bonds

·              Trustee Investment Act
·              Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act
·              Investment and Securities Act
·              Securities and Exchange Commission Rules 2013

Please note that the Debt Management Office is part of the Federal Ministry of Finance, which oversees issue of government securities in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Conditions and Requirements for a Valid Issue of Government Bonds

1          There must be a law passed by the National Assembly, State House of Assembly or Local Government authorising the issuance of bonds.

2         The bond instrument must bear the crest of the government body and be signed by the Minister, Commissioner or Chairman or other appropriate officer of the body raising the loan: section 241(1) of the Investment and Securities Act.

3         The total amount of out-standing loan and the bond of the issuer should not exceed more than half of its actual revenue for the preceding financial year: section 223(1)(a) of the Investment and Securities Act: Rule 565(2) of the Securities and Exchange Commission Rules 2013.

4         The bond issue must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Rule 564 of the Securities and Exchange Commission Rules 2013 and section 224(1) of the Investment and Securities Act.

5         Redemption date shall not exceed 25 years from date of issuance of the bond: section 226(2) of the Investment and Securities Act.

6         Letter of authority of guarantee by the Accountant General of State or Federation stating that the bond shall be paid and to deduct at source from the statutory allocation due to the issuer in the event of default or failure to meet its payment obligations.

7         A sinking fund is required to be opened by the Accountant General of the state or federation to deposit money overtime to make up for the payment of the bonds at the required date: section 224(4) of the Investment and Securities Act.

8         A separate sinking fund shall be established for each loan raised: section 251 of the Investment and Securities Act.

9         The bond holders must pay full purchase price before registration: section 231 of the Investment and Securities Act.

10      Bond Certificates must be issued to bondholders by the registrar within 2 months of the issue: section 232 of the Investment and Securities Act and Rule 565(5) of the Securities and Exchange Commission Rules 2013.

11       A trustee (usually a company) is to be appointed to act on behalf of the bondholders: sections 224(5); 245(1) & (2); and 247 of the Investment and Securities Act.

12      Registered Bonds may be designated in any denominations approved by Securities and Exchange Commission: section 241(2) of the Investment and Securities Act.



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