DMO offers N150bn Sukuk bond for subscription

The Debt Management Office (DMO), on behalf of the Federal Government, has offered for subscription Ijarah Sukuk valued at N150 billion.

Sukuk is a Sharia-compliant instrument that represents the interests of the owner in an asset or pool of assets. It is usually linked to specific infrastructure projects.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DMO said the Sukuk issued by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Roads Sukuk Company PLC, on behalf of the Federal Government, were offered at N1,000 per unit, subject to a minimum subscription of N10,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter.

“Rental payment is made half-yearly, and bullet repayment is done on the date of maturity. Proceeds will be used solely for the construction and rehabilitation of key road projects and bridges across the six geopolitical zones of the country”, said DMO, adding that the Ijarah Sukuk was backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government.

“It qualifies as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

“Qualifies as government securities within the meaning of Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for tax exemption for pension funds among other investors.

“To be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited and FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited”, it said.

According to DMO, the Ijarah Sukuk was classified as liquid asset by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and certified by the Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts of the CBN.