First Bank of Nigeria (FBN Holdings) is one of Nigeria's oldest financial institutions and is listed on the NGX. Here is the process for buying First Bank shares and registering them in your own name.
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The entity listed on the NGX is FBN Holdings Plc (ticker: FBNH), not First Bank directly. FBN Holdings is the holding company that owns First Bank of Nigeria Ltd (the commercial banking subsidiary), FBNQuest Merchant Bank, FBNInsurance, and other financial services businesses. When investors refer to "First Bank shares", they typically mean FBNH — the NGX-listed holding company. Understanding this distinction is important: you are buying shares in the holding group, not just the banking subsidiary.
To buy FBNH shares on the NGX you need: a CSCS account registered in your own name (with your own CHN number); an account with a licensed Nigerian stockbroker or SEC-regulated investment platform; a Nigerian bank account for settlement and dividends; and valid government-issued ID plus BVN for account opening.
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Step 1: Open and verify your account with a licensed Nigerian stockbroker or investment platform. Step 2: Fund your account. Step 3: Search for FBN Holdings (ticker: FBNH) on the NGX. Step 4: Place your buy order at the current market price or set a limit order at your preferred price. Step 5: Your order is executed on the NGX and settlement occurs on T+3. Step 6: Your FBNH shares are credited to your CSCS account. Log in to the CSCS portal to confirm registration in your name.
Standard NGX transaction costs apply: SEC fee (0.3%), CSCS fee, and NGX levy — these are the same for all NGX shares regardless of platform. Your broker or platform's own commission is additional. Request a full fee schedule from your chosen platform before trading.
FBNH declares dividends to registered shareholders following board approval. To receive dividends, your details — including your bank account — must be registered with the company's registrar before the record date. Dividends are paid through the e-dividend system to your registered bank account. 10% withholding tax is deducted at source before payment. Dividend amounts vary from year to year — check the NGX disclosure portal and FBNH investor relations communications for current information.
Investors who research FBNH typically examine: (1) The holding company structure and how earnings from different subsidiaries (First Bank, FBNQuest, FBNInsurance) are consolidated. (2) First Bank's NPL ratio and capital adequacy — both published in periodic financial results. (3) The group's dividend history and payout consistency. (4) Any CBN regulatory developments affecting capital requirements for Nigerian banks. (5) The FBNH share price relative to book value (P/B ratio), which is a commonly used bank valuation metric. This framework is for research reference only — not a buy recommendation.
The holding company is listed as FBN Holdings Plc. Its NGX ticker is FBNH.
Indirectly yes — FBNH owns First Bank of Nigeria Ltd as its principal subsidiary. When you buy FBNH shares, you own a stake in the holding company, which in turn owns the banking subsidiary along with other financial services businesses.
Dividend payments are subject to board approval and depend on the company's financial performance. There is no guarantee that FBNH will pay dividends in any given year or that the amount will be the same as previous years. Check the NGX disclosure portal for the latest dividend announcements.
Important disclaimer
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or any recommendation to buy, sell, or hold FBNH or First Bank shares or any other security. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Past performance is not a guide to future results. Dividend payments are not guaranteed. You should seek independent regulated financial advice before making any investment decision. Shares Saver does not provide financial advice.
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