What Is a Registrar Account Number for Nigerian Shares?
Old dividend warrants and registrar statements reference an account number that is not your bank account or CSCS number.
If you have ever looked at an old dividend warrant or a registrar statement for Nigerian shares, you have probably seen a reference labelled "account number" or "shareholder account number" that is not the same as your bank account number or your CSCS account. This is your registrar account number, and knowing what it is — and where to find it — makes tracing and resolving old shareholdings much faster.
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A registrar account number (also called a shareholder account number or shareholder reference number) is the identifier a specific company's registrar uses to track your holding in its official shareholder register. It is assigned per registrar, not per investor — so if you hold shares in companies that use different registrars, you will have a different account number with each one.
Registrar Account Number vs CSCS Account Number (CHN)
This is the most common point of confusion. Your CSCS account number — also called your Clearing House Number (CHN) — is a single identifier issued by the Central Securities Clearing System that covers your electronic holdings across the market through your broker. Your registrar account number is separate: it is specific to one company's registrar, and is especially relevant for older or legacy holdings that predate full dematerialisation. You may need both numbers when tracing a shareholding, depending on how far back the record goes.
Where to Find Your Registrar Account Number
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- Printed on dividend warrants or dividend payment advice notices
- Printed on a physical share certificate, where one was issued
- Included in registrar correspondence, such as annual report mailing labels or AGM notices
- Available directly from the registrar once you provide identity details for verification
Why This Number Matters When Tracing Lost Shares
When you contact a registrar about an old or forgotten holding, quoting your registrar account number lets them locate your record immediately instead of searching by name alone — which can be slower and more error-prone if there are multiple similarly named shareholders. If you do not have the number, the registrar can usually still search using your full name, date of birth, and address, but the process takes longer.
If you cannot find your registrar account number, do not assume the shares do not exist. A structured search across brokers and registrars can usually locate the holding using your personal identifiers instead.
Missing your registrar account number but think you may still hold shares? Shares Saver's Find My Shares service searches using your personal details, not just an account number.
Start a Find My Shares Search →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registrar account number?
It is the identifier a specific company's share registrar assigns to your shareholding, used to locate your record in that company's official shareholder register. It is separate from your bank account number.
Is a registrar account number the same as a CSCS account number?
No. A CSCS account number (CHN) is issued by the Central Securities Clearing System and covers your electronic holdings across the market through your broker. A registrar account number is specific to one company's registrar and is most relevant for older or legacy holdings.
Can I find my registrar account number without a share certificate?
Yes. Contact the relevant company's registrar directly with your full name, date of birth, and address, and they can search their register and confirm your account number once your identity is verified.
Do all my Nigerian shareholdings use the same registrar account number?
Not necessarily. Different companies can appoint different registrars, and each registrar assigns its own account number. If you hold shares in several companies using different registrars, you will have a separate account number with each one.
How do I use my registrar account number to order a CSCS global search?
A CSCS global search does not require a registrar account number to get started — it primarily uses your personal identity details to search across the market. If you already have one or more registrar account numbers, providing them alongside your personal details can help confirm matches faster.
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 any security. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You should seek independent regulated financial advice before making any investment decision. Shares Saver does not provide financial advice.
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