FG allots N1.2bn in April savings bond sales

The Federal Government on Wednesday allotted N1.2 billion in its April, 2019 and 2020 savings bond sales, the Debt Management Office (DMO), said.

According to the allotment results derived from its website, N419.33 million was allotted at 12.79 per cent with 841 successful subscriptions, to mature in April 2019.

It stated that N868.69 million was allotted at 13.79 per cent with 957 successful subscriptions, to mature in April 2020.

The savings bond issuance is expected to help finance the nation’s budget deficit.

The bond issuance is part of the Federal Government programme targeted at the lower income earners to encourage savings and also earn more income (interest), compared to their savings accounts with banks.

The bonds are debt securities (liabilities) of the Federal Government backed by its ‘full faith and credit’.

Interests are to be paid at regular periods and principal repaid at maturity.

The bonds have a tenor of between two to three years and a minimum size of investment of N5,000 and maximum of N50 million.

The bond is aimed at deepening national savings culture, diversifying funding sources for the government and providing opportunity to all citizens, irrespective of income level to contribute to national development.

It will also enable all citizens to participate in and benefit from the favourable returns available in the capital market.

The next offer will open on May 8 and close on May 12, the DMO said.