Yemisi Izuora
The Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has announced the approval by its member the demutualisation programme of the Exchange.
This decision was reached at the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) today in Lagos.
At the meeting, Patrick Ezeagu, President Association of Stockbroking House of Nigeria (ASHON) with the support of by Emeka Madubuike, Past President of ASHON moved that the National Council and Management be authorised to proceed with the process leading up to the Demutualisation of The Exchange, and also ratified the engagement of financial advisers, legal advisers, tax advisers and any other adviser that may be required for the Demutualisation of The Exchange.
It was also moved that the National Council and Management be authorized to do all such things and exercise all such powers as may be necessary or incidental to achieving the objective specified in I above, subject to applicable laws and regulations and obtaining the approvals of Members and the relevant regulatory authorities.
Members thereafter voted unanimously in favour of the three prayers.
Speaking after the successful meeting, the NSE Council President Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede noted that “the approval of the NSE demutualisation plan marks the achievement of an important milestone towards completion of the exercise.
The demutualization of the Exchange will bring the Nigerian capital market on a par with other international jurisdictions, result in enhanced governance, transparency and visibility whilst attracting strategic partners, investors and good quality issuers. These are historic times indeed”.
Also commenting on development, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar N. Onyema, OON, noted that “the approval of the demutualisation process will generate substantial motivation for the development of an agile Exchange thereby consolidating its innovativeness and strengthening its leadership both at local and international levels whilst also adding value to its stakeholders.
As a demutualized entity that is profit-seeking, the NSE will be in a better stead to capitalize on new income opportunities, free from any limitations arising from conflicting member interests and existing laws and more importantly be able to better support the economic growth of Nigeria”.
Demutualisation is the process through which any member owned organisation becomes a shareholder-owned company.
Basically, it refers to the conversion of a non-profit, mutually owned company to a for-profit entity limited by shares.
Demutualisation segregates ownership and management from the trading rights of the members of an exchange.