Nigeria Sells N622.7 Billion in Treasury Bills in September as Commercial Papers Decline by 42.5%
Detailed Breakdown:
In September 2024, the Debt Management Office (DMO) sold N622.7 billion worth of Treasury Bills (T-bills), marking a 22.8% increase from N507.1 billion sold in August. This surge in T-bill sales indicates sustained demand for the short-term debt instruments, which are used by the Federal Government to raise funds for projects. T-bills are regarded as one of the safest investment options in Nigeria, making them highly attractive in the market.
Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued OMO (Open Market Operation) bills worth N714.5 billion and FGN bonds valued at N264.5 billion in the same period. The demand for sovereign securities was exceptionally high, with T-bills and FGN bonds oversubscribed by 220.7% and 176.6%, respectively.
However, while T-bill sales increased, the value of Commercial Papers (CPs) quoted on the FMDQ Exchange dropped significantly by 42.5%. CPs declined to N38.5 billion in September from N66.9 billion in August, a reduction of N28.4 billion. CPs, short-term debt obligations issued by corporations, are typically used to support working capital. The decline in CP issuance was driven by high borrowing costs, rising interest rates, and inflation, which are making it harder for corporations to compete with the government for funds in the money market.
In September 2024, CPs were issued by companies in the Financial Services, Chemical Supply & Oil Service, and Education sectors. The outstanding value of CPs also saw a month-on-month decline of 2.06%, attributed to the maturity of N51.6 billion worth of CPs during the period.
Experts highlighted the "crowding-out effect," where corporate borrowers are unable to compete with the Federal Government in the money market due to the high cost of borrowing. The Federal Government's ability to borrow at any price has put it at a competitive advantage, limiting the availability of funds for the private sector.
Detailed Breakdown:
In September 2024, the Debt Management Office (DMO) sold N622.7 billion worth of Treasury Bills (T-bills), marking a 22.8% increase from N507.1 billion sold in August. This surge in T-bill sales indicates sustained demand for the short-term debt instruments, which are used by the Federal Government to raise funds for projects. T-bills are regarded as one of the safest investment options in Nigeria, making them highly attractive in the market.
Additionally, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) issued OMO (Open Market Operation) bills worth N714.5 billion and FGN bonds valued at N264.5 billion in the same period. The demand for sovereign securities was exceptionally high, with T-bills and FGN bonds oversubscribed by 220.7% and 176.6%, respectively.
However, while T-bill sales increased, the value of Commercial Papers (CPs) quoted on the FMDQ Exchange dropped significantly by 42.5%. CPs declined to N38.5 billion in September from N66.9 billion in August, a reduction of N28.4 billion. CPs, short-term debt obligations issued by corporations, are typically used to support working capital. The decline in CP issuance was driven by high borrowing costs, rising interest rates, and inflation, which are making it harder for corporations to compete with the government for funds in the money market.
In September 2024, CPs were issued by companies in the Financial Services, Chemical Supply & Oil Service, and Education sectors. The outstanding value of CPs also saw a month-on-month decline of 2.06%, attributed to the maturity of N51.6 billion worth of CPs during the period.
Experts highlighted the "crowding-out effect," where corporate borrowers are unable to compete with the Federal Government in the money market due to the high cost of borrowing. The Federal Government's ability to borrow at any price has put it at a competitive advantage, limiting the availability of funds for the private sector.