Is this global search the same as transferring shares?

No. The service is a discovery process to locate holdings and their record locations. Once results are confirmed, transfer or consolidation can be handled as a separate step.

Who is this global search for?

It is useful for people who bought shares years ago, used multiple brokers, changed addresses, or are trying to recover old or forgotten Nigerian share records. It also helps people searching for shares bought by deceased relatives.

How long does a global share search in Nigeria take?

Results are typically delivered within a few business days after your identity is verified and your authorisation form is received. The timeline depends on the number of registrars and brokers that need to be contacted.

What information do I need to submit a global share search?

You will need your full legal name, date of birth, address history covering at least three years, a government-issued ID for KYC verification, and payment of the one-time service fee.

How much does a global share search in Nigeria cost?

The initial global search costs a one-time ₦10,000, charged whether or not anything is found, and includes the findings report. If the search finds brokers or companies holding records for you, retrieving each broker's balance costs ₦3,000 per broker — quoted after you see the findings, and you choose which balances to retrieve. A balance can come back as 0 shares; the broker still charges to produce it. Moving found shares into your account is free.

Can I run a global search if I have lost my share certificate?

Yes. Losing a paper share certificate does not mean losing ownership. Registrar records are separate from physical certificates. A global search traces your name in the electronic and paper registrar records — the certificate is not required to initiate the search.

What happens to unclaimed dividends found during a share search?

The share search identifies holdings and their locations. Separately, you can contact each registrar to claim outstanding dividends once you know which companies hold records in your name. Completing an e-dividend mandate with each registrar ensures future dividends are paid to your bank account.

Can I search for shares inherited from a deceased parent or relative?

Yes. If a relative passed away and you believe they held Nigerian shares, a global search can trace holdings registered in their name. You will need the deceased's full name, date of birth, and supporting identity documentation. Estate administration (probate or letters of administration) will be required before shares can be transferred to beneficiaries.

Global search for shares in Nigeria

Shares you bought decades ago are probably still yours

Bank privatisations, staff schemes, IPOs your parents entered in your name. We run a global search across every Nigerian registrar, broker and the CSCS for holdings under your details.

Start the search — ₦10,000 How the search works

1Initial search — ₦10,000, one-offCharged whether or not we find anything. You get the findings report either way.

2Balance retrieval — ₦3,000 per broker or companyQuoted after the findings; you choose which. Each broker must print its balance — even one holding 0 shares. Moving found shares in is free.

What we need from you

Full name at the time

Plus any other names you have used — maiden or middle names.

Date of birth

As it would appear in broker and registrar records.

Address history

At least three years; ten is better.

ID for KYC

A government-issued ID so registrars can release records.

Clearing House Number (CHN)

Optional — but it makes the search much faster.

Continue to the form

You’ll sign an authority so registrars can release your records to us.

Your details

Names, date of birth, old addresses.

Sign the authority

On screen, with your finger or mouse.

We search everywhere

Registrars, brokers and the CSCS.

Findings and a quote

Where records exist, and the ₦3,000-per-broker cost of each balance.

You choose balances

We retrieve only the ones you approve, and report in writing.

01Your detailsNames, date of birth, old addresses.

02Sign the authorityOn screen, with your finger or mouse.

03We search everywhereRegistrars, brokers and the CSCS.

04Findings and a quoteWhere records exist, and the ₦3,000-per-broker cost of each balance.

05You choose balancesWe retrieve only the ones you approve, and report in writing.

Global search for shares in Nigeria: what it means

A global search for shares in Nigeria is a structured tracing process that checks records across brokers and registrars to find holdings in your legal name. It is designed for investors who know they bought shares in the past but no longer have complete records, portfolio visibility, or dividend correspondence.

What is a share search?

A comprehensive search of all your shares across the Nigerian capital market, conducted through the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS). It checks every brokerage firm and registrar to find shares registered in your name. It is not a share transfer service — it is a discovery service that tells you what you own and where it is held. Once you know what you have, you can decide whether to consolidate, sell, or simply keep track of your investments.

Why are my shares missing?

Address changesCorrespondence and dividends stopped reaching you after a move.

Multiple brokersEach stockbroker you used holds a separate record.

Inherited sharesNever formally transferred into your name.

Old paper certificatesBefore dematerialisation shares were paper — losing the certificate does not mean losing ownership.

Company mergers and name changesHoldings hide behind a company's new name.

Non-receipt, misplacement or damage of a physical share certificate does not invalidate your ownership — the registrar still has records, and a global search recovers them.

Questions

About the search

A global search for shares in Nigeria is a market-wide tracing process that checks broker and registrar records across the Nigerian capital market to identify all shareholdings registered in your name.

Keep reading

Lost share recovery, explained

What is a global search for shares in Nigeria?

Scope, required details and what results to expect.

Read

How to find lost shares in Nigeria

Registrars, brokers and the CSCS — where records live.

Read

Unclaimed dividends in Nigeria

How to claim dividends once you know what you own.

Read

Shares you bought decades ago are probably still yours

What we need from you

Your details

Sign the authority

We search everywhere

Findings and a quote

You choose balances

Global search for shares in Nigeria: what it means

What is a share search?

Why are my shares missing?

About the search

Lost share recovery, explained

What is a global search for shares in Nigeria?

How to find lost shares in Nigeria

Unclaimed dividends in Nigeria

Ready to own your first Nigerian share?