TheCable

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has offered two federal government bonds valued at N2.5 trillion for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

The N2.5 trillion bond offer is part of the new domestic borrowing of six trillion naira in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

The national assembly had on December 30, 2023, approved the securitisation of N7.3 trillion “Ways and Means’’ advances to the federal government by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

DMO, in a statement on Wednesday, said the first offer is a seven-year bond valued at N1.25 trillion and expected to mature in February 2031.

The agency said the second offer is a 10-year bond also valued at N1.25 trillion and expected to mature in February 2034.

The offers are open for auction date on February 19, 2024, while the settlement date is February 21, 2024.

“They are issued at N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N50 million and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter,” DMO said.

“Interest is payable semi-annually while the bullet repayment (principal sum) is made on maturity date.”

DMO said the bonds were backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government of Nigeria (FGN) and were chargeable on the country’s general assets.

“They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustees Investment Act,” DMO said.

“They qualify as government securities within the meaning of the company income tax Act and personal Income tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds administrators amongst other investors.

“They are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. and on the FMDQ Group PLC. Securities Exchange.”

According to DMO, FGN bonds qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks.

The FGN bonds and other government securities like the savings bond and the Sukuk bond constitute the local component of government borrowing.