From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC (NBET), said, it has successfully completed the first tranche of N4 trillion Power Sector Bond Programme.
It therefore, announced the successful closure of the first tranche under the N4,000,000,000,000 Power Sector Multi-Instrument Issuance Programme.
This inaugural bond issue of N501,021,000,000 bond comprises of a fully subscribed N300,000,000,000 bond issuance to the market (Asset Managers, Banks, Pension Funds and Retail Investors) and N201,021,000,000 bond issued to Power Generation Companies (GenCos), that have signed the Settlement Agreement.
NBET also said that the 7 year bonds which were issued by its Finance Company PLC (a Special Purpose Vehicle established for this transaction), are fully guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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Therefore, the successful completion of this inaugural tranche, marked a critical milestone in the implementation of the Programme and reflects strong market confidence in the Government’s reform agenda for the power sector.
Commenting on the Bond Issue, the Acting Managing Director of NBET, Mr. Johnson Akinnawo, said: “The successful close of the ₦501 billion bond represents a major step forward in resolving the long-standing challenge that has constrained the power sector for years. This intervention will significantly improve liquidity across the value chain, enable operators to stabilize their operations and support renewed investment in the Nigerian Power Sector.”
The Cardinal Stone Partners Limited, a leading Investment banking firm in Nigeria, led the consortium of appointed professional parties as Lead Financial Adviser and Lead Issuing House to successfully execute the N501,021,000,000 Series 1 Bond Issue working closely with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc that acted as Sponsor on the Transaction and the Office of the SA Energy that led the Settlement negotiations and engagements with the Generation Companies including championing the PPSDRP initiative.
In addition to the professional advisers, the Acting Managing Director of NBET further acknowledged the support of all members of the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Committee particularly the Honorable Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, whose leadership and support provided the bedrock for this success, and all who played vital roles in making this capital raise a success.
Others, are the key power sector stakeholders as well as government authorities like the Debt Management Office, Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities & Exchange Commissions, the National Pensions Commission, Nigerian Revenue Service and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission who facilitated enhancements for the Bond Issue.
These settlements form part of Phase 1 of the Programme, which is designed to restore liquidity to the power sector, strengthen the balance sheets of critical market participants and to create a more sustainable foundation for electricity supply in Nigeria.
He added that NBET remains committed to working closely with the Federal Government, market participants and transaction advisers to ensure the transparent and efficient deployment of proceeds in line with the objectives of the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme.
NBET reaffirmed its commitment to market reforms aimed at enhancing the long-term financial viability of Nigeria’s electricity market.
