Nigeria’s inaugural domestic US dollar bond has been recognized as the West Africa Deal of the Year at the 2025 Global Banking and Markets Africa Awards.
The award follows the successful issuance of the bond, which raised $917 million—far surpassing the initial target of $500 million due to an oversubscription rate of 180 percent.
Announced by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on August 19, 2024, the five-year tenor bond is listed on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and FMDQ Securities Exchange.
The landmark transaction attracted a diverse range of investors, including local institutions, members of the Nigerian diaspora, and international stakeholders. Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) played a crucial role as the Global Coordinator.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, received the award at the Bonds, Loans & ESG Capital Markets Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
She formally presented it to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during a ceremony in Abuja.
Speaking on the achievement, Edun described it as a significant step toward positioning Nigeria and Lagos as an international financial hub. He noted that “the recognition reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and its ability to deliver results despite global economic challenges.”
The ministry in a statement on Thursday said the award further reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its capital markets, enhancing the investment climate, and attracting foreign capital.
“It also signals the country’s broader ambition to emerge as a key player in global finance, leveraging its economic potential to drive long-term growth and development” the statement said.
