Lagos State launches new N100bn bond issuance

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced the launch of its Series I Bond Issuance under the N1 Trillion Debt and Hybrid Instruments Issuance Programme (DAHI Programme).

The Series I Bond Issuance is aimed at raising up to N100 billion from the capital market and is scheduled to close on Friday, May 12, 2023. The issuance is being managed by several issuing houses and has been assigned an AA- long-term rating with a stable outlook by Agusto & Co and GCR, respectively.

The issuance, which is targeted to high net-worth individuals has a minimum investment uptake of N10 million in multiples of N1 million. It is part of the State’s efforts to raise capital to finance priority projects and boost economic growth.

According to the Lagos State government, its economy makes up 15% of Nigeria’s GDP, and it has a “robust financial condition, a suitable expenditure profile, and a very strong cash-generating capacity to meet local currency obligations in a timely manner from Internally Generated Revenues (IGR).”

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate the state generated N773 billion in revenue in 2021 which includes tax revenue of N405 billion.

The proceeds from the issuance will be used to finance priority projects, which are detailed in the pricing supplement, aimed at improving the State’s infrastructure and fostering economic growth.

The issuance is a fixed-rate senior unsecured bond with a tenor of 10 years and a pricing range of 14.875% – 15.250%. The bond will have an amortized principal repayment following a 24-month moratorium and will be funded from the State’s Internally Generated Revenue.

The issuance is being offered for a subscription via book-build, with a minimum subscription of NGN10,000,000 and multiples of NGN1,000,000 thereafter. The bond will be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and/or FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited. Applicable taxes shall apply except otherwise exempt.