Yemisi Izuora
In line with its commitment to deepening the Nigerian capital markets and expanding access to short-term funding instruments, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited has approved the quotation of C & I Leasing PLC’s ₦18.90 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper under its ₦50.00 billion CP Issuance Programme.
The C & I Leasing Plc, is a leading leasing and fleet management company in Nigeria, with operations spanning automobile leasing, marine services, and outsourcing solutions.
The proceeds from this CP issuance, led by Cordros Advisory Services Limited (Lead Sponsor), AIICO Capital Limited, Anchoria Advisory Services Limited, Apel Asset Limited, ARM Capital Limited, First Ally Advisory Limited, FSDH Capital Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital & Investments Limited, SCM Capital Limited, and SFS Financial Services Limited, all Registration Member (Quotations) of FMDQ Exchange, will be utilised to meet the working capital requirements and finance its operational activities in support of its strategic growth objectives.
Commenting on the CP quotation, Ms. Tumi Sekoni, the Group Chief Operating Officer, FMDQ Group PLC, stated: “The quotation of C & I Leasing PLC’s Series 1 Commercial Paper on FMDQ Exchange reflects the continued growth of Nigeria’s capital markets and affirms the confidence that corporates place in the Exchange as the preferred platform for short-term capital mobilisation. This transaction underscores the Exchange’s commitment to providing an efficient, transparent, and credible marketplace that enables businesses to meet their financing needs while supporting sustainable economic growth and development in Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the Director, Cordros Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Wale Agbeyangi, stated: “We are pleased to have once again partnered with C & I Leasing PLC on this CP issuance, continuing a relationship that has seen us support several of the company’s capital-raising initiatives over the years. This transaction reflects both the strength of C & I Leasing’s business and sustained investor confidence in the Company.”
Also commenting on the transaction, the Ag. Managing Director, Anchoria Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Damilola Titiladunayo, stated: “We are pleased to have acted as Joint Issuing and Placing Agent on the successful quotation of the ₦18.90 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper issued by C & I Leasing PLC under its ₦50.00 billion CP Programme. This transaction underscores investor confidence in C & I Leasing’s business fundamentals and demonstrates the continued relevance of the CP market as an efficient funding platform for leading corporate. Having supported C & I Leasing across several capital market transactions over the years, we are delighted to witness the Company’s continued growth and market success. This reflects Anchoria Advisory’s commitment to partnering with clients throughout their capital market journey, providing strategic guidance and long-term support as they evolve into established and trusted market participants.”
Reacting to the CP quotation, the GMD/CEO, C & I Leasing PLC, Mr. Ugoji Lenin Ugoji, remarked: “The successful completion of our N18.9 billion CP issuance demonstrates the market’s continued confidence in the strength, resilience and growth potential of C & I Leasing PLC.”
The successful quotation of this CP reflects sustained investor confidence in well-structured short-term fixed income instruments and underscores the Issuer’s robust operational framework. It also demonstrates the capacity of the Nigerian capital markets to mobilise short-term financing for key sectors of the economy, setting a positive precedent for future issuances and encouraging more corporates to leverage the capital markets for their funding needs.