It is not uncommon to misplace or forget about shares one owns, especially with banks like FCMB and Heritage Bank. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry! Mama Ngozi is here to walk you through how you can search for and claim your lost shares.Imagine that Mr. Emeka bought shares from FRead more
It is not uncommon to misplace or forget about shares one owns, especially with banks like FCMB and Heritage Bank. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! Mama Ngozi is here to walk you through how you can search for and claim your lost shares.
Imagine that Mr. Emeka bought shares from FCMB and Heritage Bank some time ago, but they got misplaced in the hustle and bustle of daily life, just like when Mama Ngozi misplaced her special salt container in the market one sunny afternoon.
Now, to search for these lost shares, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Contact the Registrars: The first thing Mr. Emeka should do is to reach out to the registrars of FCMB and Heritage Bank. Registrars are like the record keepers who maintain details of shareholders. They can help in locating Mr. Emeka’s shares.
2. Provide Necessary Details: When contacting the registrars, Mr. Emeka will need to provide his personal details like full name, address, and any relevant information about the shares he purchased.
3. Check Unclaimed Dividends Website: Sometimes, lost shares may be linked to unclaimed dividends. Mr. Emeka can visit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria website to check for any unclaimed dividends in his name.
4. Request for Share Certificate: If Mr. Emeka initially received a share certificate when he bought the shares, he should search for it diligently. Having a share certificate can help in the process of reclaiming lost shares.
5. Update Contact Information: It is crucial to ensure that Mr. Emeka’s contact information is up to date with the registrars. This way, if the shares are found, they can easily reach him.
6. Follow Up: Persistence is key. Mr. Emeka should follow up with the registrars regularly to check on the progress of the search for his lost shares.
By following these steps diligently, just like how Mama Ngozi meticulously searches for the ripest tomatoes in her stall, Mr. Emeka can increase his chances of successfully locating and claiming his lost shares from FCMB and Heritage Bank.
Remember, it’s all about being proactive and patient in the process. With determination and the right approach, Mr. Emeka can hopefully reunite with his forgotten shares and put them to good use.
A CSCS account number can be different from another CSCS account number, but a CHN is supposed to identify the investor. CSCS describes CHN as a unique number identifying an investor in the Nigerian capital market. I think the mix up is coming from when you were choosing the stockbroker. If I am getRead more
A CSCS account number can be different from another CSCS account number, but a CHN is supposed to identify the investor. CSCS describes CHN as a unique number identifying an investor in the Nigerian capital market.
I think the mix up is coming from when you were choosing the stockbroker.
If I am getting your question right…
Your friend already had:
Afrinvestor 2.0 account
CSCS Account No. A
CHN A
Then, while subscribing for the Dangote Refinery IPO through the NGX electronic application process, the system appears to have created/assigned:
IPO application
CSCS Account No. B
CHN B right? If it is that so..
That does not automatically mean the IPO money or shares are lost.
I think what is best now is that your friend
Contact Afrinvestor immediately
Email or contact Afrinvestor telling them that:
“I already had a CSCS account and CHN with Afrinvestor. I subsequently subscribed for the Dangote Refinery IPO through the NGX electronic application channel and the application generated a different CSCS account number and CHN. Please confirm which CHN was used for my IPO subscription and ensure that my existing investor identity is properly linked/consolidated.”
Ask them specifically to check the IPO application using the friend’s:
Full name
Existing CHN
Existing CSCS account number
New CSCS account number
New CHN
IPO app
Ask Afrinvestor one very specific question
“Which CHN will receive the Dangote Refinery IPO shares if my application is successful?”
That’s the question I would want answered.
Because the important thing isn’t merely that two numbers exist. We want to establish where the IPO allotment will be credited. Do you get?
CHN = Clearing House Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to you as an investor in Nigeria’s capital market. Think of it as your investor ID within the market. CSCS +1 CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System. This is the institution that keeps the electronic records of your sharesRead more
CHN = Clearing House Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to you as an investor in Nigeria’s capital market. Think of it as your investor ID within the market.
CSCS +1
CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System. This is the institution that keeps the electronic records of your shares and handles clearing and settlement of securities transactions in Nigeria.
CSCS account number is the account associated with your holdings at CSCS, while your CHN identifies you as the investor. CSCS itself sometimes displays them together as CSCS No.
Simple example bro:
If you open an account with a Nigerian stockbroker:
You -Stockbroker- CSCS
You place an order through your stockbroker, but when you buy shares, the shares are recorded/held electronically within the CSCS system, under your investor details/CHN.
So if a broker asks you for your “CHN/CSCS number,” they’re generally asking for the identification/account details connected to your CSCS investment account.
If you tell me the name of the broker you’re opening an account with, I can also explain exactly which number they are asking for and where you can find it.
My dear, if your aunt has found her old Intercontinental Bank shares and the bank is no longer in existence, there are steps she can take to recover any accrued dividends and understand what happened to those shares.Imagine this scenario, back in the day when your aunt bought those shares, it was liRead more
My dear, if your aunt has found her old Intercontinental Bank shares and the bank is no longer in existence, there are steps she can take to recover any accrued dividends and understand what happened to those shares.
Imagine this scenario, back in the day when your aunt bought those shares, it was like planting seeds in a garden. The shares represent a piece of the company which, like a growing plant, could produce dividends over time. Now that the bank has transformed or merged into another entity, those seeds of the past still hold value.
To recover the dividends or understand the fate of those shares, your aunt can start by contacting the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria or the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). They are like the watchmen of the financial garden, ensuring that investors are not left in the dark. They can help provide information on what happened to the Intercontinental Bank shares and any dividends that may have accumulated.
Additionally, if the bank underwent a merger or acquisition, your aunt should check if the shares were converted to shares of a new entity. It’s like the old plant being grafted onto a new one, preserving its value in a different form.
Seeking guidance from a stockbroker or financial advisor can also shed light on the situation. They are like the experienced gardeners who understand how to nurture investments and can help your aunt navigate the process of recovering her shares or understanding their current status.
Remember, just like tending to a garden requires patience and care, delving into the world of recovered shares may take some time and effort. But with the right guidance and a bit of digging, your aunt may uncover a fruitful harvest from her past investments.
You normally do not need to put your CSCS number or CHN in the bank-transfer narration unless the specific wallet or investment platform instructs you to do so. The narration is usually meant to help identify the purpose or reference of the transfer. If the platform provides a specific narration, acRead more
You normally do not need to put your CSCS number or CHN in the bank-transfer narration unless the specific wallet or investment platform instructs you to do so.
The narration is usually meant to help identify the purpose or reference of the transfer. If the platform provides a specific narration, account number, customer ID, or reference to use when funding your wallet, follow those instructions exactly.
Your CSCS/CHN details are separate from the bank-transfer narration unless the platform specifically asks you to include them.
If you’re unsure, check the wallet’s funding instructions before transferring, because using the wrong reference could delay the crediting of your funds.
I’ll explain them in practical Nigerian-investor terms. 1. AER — Annual Equivalent Rate AER means Annual Equivalent Rate. It is mainly used to show what your return would be over one year, taking compounding into account. Simple example Suppose an investment says: 15% AER It means that if the moneyRead more
I’ll explain them in practical Nigerian-investor terms.
1. AER — Annual Equivalent Rate
AER means Annual Equivalent Rate.
It is mainly used to show what your return would be over one year, taking compounding into account.
Simple example
Suppose an investment says:
15% AER
It means that if the money remains invested for one full year and the applicable returns are compounded according to the product’s terms, the equivalent annual return is 15%.
So, if you invested ₦1,000,000 and actually achieved a 15% AER for one year:
₦1,000,000 × 15% = ₦150,000
You would have approximately:
₦1,150,000
before considering any applicable fees, taxes or other charges.
Why AER matters
When comparing investments, don’t simply look at a figure such as “monthly return” or “interest rate.” AER helps you compare returns on a common annual basis.
For example:
Investment
Advertised return
What you should ask
Investment A
12%
Is this AER?
Investment B
15%
Is it guaranteed or projected?
Investment C
18%
What are the fees and risks?
Important: AER is a measure of return, not a guarantee that you will make that return. Always check whether the stated rate is fixed, projected, historical or variable.
2. Portfolio
Your portfolio is essentially the collection of investments you own.
Think of it as your investment basket.
For example, suppose you own:
1,000 GTCO shares
500 Zenith Bank shares
300 UBA shares
₦2 million in a money-market fund
₦1 million in Treasury Bills
All of these together constitute your investment portfolio.
What you normally see in a portfolio
An investment app may show:
Company | Quantity | Average price | Current price | Market value | Gain/Loss
For example:
Stock
Quantity
Average price
Current price
Value
GTCO
1,000
₦70
₦90
₦90,000
UBA
2,000
₦25
₦30
₦60,000
Your portfolio therefore allows you to answer:
“What investments do I currently own, and how much are they worth?”
How you use your portfolio
You should regularly look at:
1. Quantity
How many shares/units you own.
2. Average purchase price
What you have effectively paid per share/unit.
3. Current price
What the investment is currently worth in the market.
4. Market value
The current value of your holding.
5. Gain/Loss
How much the investment has increased or decreased in value.
Example
You bought 1,000 shares at ₦50:
Investment = ₦50,000
If the share rises to ₦70:
Current value = ₦70,000
Your unrealised gain is:
₦20,000
That gain is generally unrealised until you sell.
3. Watchlist
A watchlist is different from your portfolio.
Portfolio = what you own
Watchlist = what you are watching
Suppose you don’t own Dangote Cement but you are considering buying it.
You can add it to your watchlist.
You might also put:
GTCO
Zenith
UBA
Dangote Cement
Airtel Africa
BUA Foods
on your watchlist.
The purpose is to monitor things such as:
Current price
Price movement
Percentage change
Trading activity
Sometimes financial information
Sometimes news
Sometimes dividend information
Very important distinction
If you put a company on your watchlist:
You have NOT bought it.
Adding a stock to a watchlist does not mean you own the stock.
4. CSCS
CSCS means Central Securities Clearing System.
This is extremely important when you invest in Nigerian securities.
CSCS is the infrastructure that handles the electronic clearing, settlement and custody/recording of securities traded in the Nigerian capital market.
Think of it this way:
Your investment app/broker is the interface you use. CSCS is part of the underlying system through which your securities are recorded and settled.
The SEC also advises investors to obtain and keep their CSCS statements of account. �
SEC Nigeria
Why CSCS matters to you
If you buy shares through a registered stockbroker, your shares are not simply “inside the app.”
The app is primarily your window into your investment account.
The securities are recorded within the capital-market infrastructure, including your CSCS account.
This is why you can potentially change brokers without necessarily losing ownership of your shares.
CSCS itself states that you need to open an account with a stockbroker before opening a CSCS account. �
CSCS
5. CHN
CHN means Clearing House Number.
According to CSCS, it is a unique number that identifies each investor in the Nigerian capital market. �
CSCS
Think of your CHN as an important investor identification number within the Nigerian capital-market system.
It is different from your bank account number.
It is also different from your BVN.
And it is different from your CSCS account number.
Why CHN is important
Suppose you have shares with different stockbrokers.
Your CHN helps identify you within the capital-market system.
This becomes particularly important when dealing with issues such as:
Existing shares
Changing brokers
Consolidating investment records
Dematerialisation
Duplicate CSCS accounts
Tracking holdings
Resolving discrepancies
Given your earlier question about duplicate CSCS accounts, this distinction is especially important: having more than one broker relationship does not mean you should casually assume that you need multiple investor identities.
Putting the five together
Here’s the easiest way to remember everything:
Term
Think of it as
Main purpose
AER
Annual return measurement
Compare investment returns
Portfolio
Your investment basket
See what you own
Watchlist
Your observation list
Monitor investments you may buy
CSCS
Securities infrastructure/account
Record/settle your securities
CHN
Your capital-market identifier
Identify you in the capital market
Now, your most important question: Does the app become your broker?
Not necessarily.
This is a very important distinction.
An investment app is not automatically a stockbroker simply because you use the app to buy shares.
There can be several layers:
YOU
↓
Investment app/platform
↓
Registered stockbroker / Capital Market Operator
↓
NGX / trading infrastructure
↓
CSCS
So, when you press BUY on an app, the app may be providing the technology/interface through which your order is submitted, while an underlying registered broker executes the transaction.
The exact arrangement depends on the particular app.
The Nigerian SEC says that investors trade shares through registered stockbrokers. �
SEC Nigeria
The SEC also maintains a database where you can verify whether an operator is registered and what function it is authorised to perform. �
SEC Nigeria
So how do you know who your actual broker is?
This is something I strongly recommend you learn to check.
Go into your investment app and look for sections such as:
Profile → Account → Trading account → Broker → CSCS → Account details
You may find information identifying:
Your stockbroker
Your CHN
Your CSCS account
Your trading account
Your investment/advisory provider
If you cannot find it, contact the app’s customer service and ask:
“Who is the SEC-registered stockbroker executing my NGX trades, and what is the name of the Capital Market Operator attached to my account?”
That is a very reasonable question.
But what about investment advice?
This is where you need to be careful.
An app can make it easy to buy an investment, but that does not necessarily mean the app is giving you personalised investment advice.
For example, an app may show:
GTCO — ₦95
+3.2%
That’s market information.
It may show:
“Top Gainers”
That’s market information.
But:
“You should invest ₦2 million in GTCO because it is suitable for your financial situation.”
That is much closer to investment advice.
The SEC distinguishes regulated capital-market functions, and investment advisory services are regulated activities. �
SEC Nigeria
How I would recommend you approach investing through an app
Don’t simply do:
See stock → press BUY.
Instead use this process:
STEP 1 — Identify the investment
For example:
“I am considering buying GTCO.”
STEP 2 — Understand the company
Ask:
What does the company do?
Is it profitable?
Is revenue growing?
Is earnings growing?
Does it pay dividends?
Does it have significant debt?
What is its valuation?
What are the major risks?
STEP 3 — Decide why you are buying it
For example:
“I’m buying because I want long-term capital growth and dividend income.”
That’s much better than:
“Someone told me the price will rise.”
STEP 4 — Decide how much
Don’t put your entire investment capital into one company simply because you like it.
STEP 5 — Consult your broker/adviser where appropriate
Ask questions such as:
“What is your current research view on this company?”
“What are the major risks?”
“Is this stock suitable for a long-term investor?”
“What valuation metrics should I consider?”
“Are there any corporate actions or important announcements I should know about?”
A registered broker/adviser can provide professional information and advice within their authorised role.
STEP 6 — Verify independently
Don’t rely exclusively on what the app says.
The SEC specifically warns investors against relying on investment advice from unregistered persons or platforms. �
SEC Nigeria
One very important principle
Your app is a tool. It is not your brain.
The app can help you:
Research → monitor → place orders → track → manage
But you still need to understand:
What am I buying?
Why am I buying it?
What can I lose?
How long am I investing?
What return am I expecting?
A simple picture of your investing journey
Think of it like this:
YOUR MONEY
↓
Investment decision
↓
Broker/app
↓
Buy order
↓
Market
↓
CSCS / settlement infrastructure
↓
Your securities are recorded
↓
Your app shows the position in your portfolio
And your watchlist sits beside this process, helping you monitor investments you haven’t bought yet.
One final caution
Before putting serious money into any investment app, verify the operator with the SEC and establish exactly what regulated function it performs. The SEC currently advises investors to verify platforms and capital-market operators before transacting. �
SEC Nigeria +1
SEC Nigeria — Find a Registered Operator�
CSCS — Investor FAQs�
Yes, you can legally have multiple brokerage accounts in Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with having accounts with both afrinvest.com and investnaija.com But the key issue here is not the brokerage account itself — it is the CSCS/CHN structure. Here is what is happening technically: Your CHN (CleariRead more
Yes, you can legally have multiple brokerage accounts in Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with having accounts with both afrinvest.com and investnaija.com
But the key issue here is not the brokerage account itself — it is the CSCS/CHN structure.
Here is what is happening technically:
Your CHN (Clearing House Number) and CSCS account are usually tied to the stockbroker that created them.
Some brokers allow account portability/linking.
Some fintech-style platforms prefer generating and managing their own custody structure internally.
That is why InvestNaija is telling you they cannot use the Afrinvest-generated CHN/CSCS on their platform.
That does not necessarily mean anything fraudulent is happening. It is often a platform architecture/custody limitation.
Now to your real question:
Should You Open Another CSCS Through InvestNaija?
You can, but you need to understand the implications.
If You Create Another CSCS/CHN:
You may end up with:
two brokerage accounts,
two CSCS accounts,
two CHNs,
separate portfolios.
Example:
Zenith shares bought via Afrinvest stay under Afrinvest-linked CSCS.
UBA shares bought later via InvestNaija stay under InvestNaija-linked CSCS.
That is allowed in Nigeria.
But it creates:
more complexity,
more registrar records,
more dividend mandate management,
more reconciliation issues later.
And from your recent dividend experience, you can already see how fragmented records can become stressful.
Important Clarification:
“Is it the same stocks posted on Afrinvest that will be posted on InvestNaija?”
Yes.
Both platforms access the same:
Nigerian Exchange Group market,
same listed companies,
same market prices.
So:
Zenith Bank Plc shares are Zenith shares everywhere.
GTCO Plc is the same stock everywhere.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc is the same stock everywhere.
The difference is:
platform interface,
fees,
execution speed,
customer support,
settlement efficiency,
research tools,
custody structure,
dividend handling.
Not the actual stocks.
My Practical Recommendation
Given your experience already:
Keep One Main Broker First
At your current stage, it is cleaner operationally to:
choose one primary broker,
maintain one major CSCS/CHN,
centralize dividends and records.
This reduces:
registrar confusion,
e-dividend complications,
forgotten holdings,
account reconciliation stress.
Which One Would I Lean Toward?
Based on what you described:
Afrinvest
Pros:
Established traditional broker
Strong institutional background
Direct market credibility
More mature investment infrastructure
Cons:
Slow onboarding/customer support (your experience confirms this)
InvestNaija
Pros:
Easier modern UI
Faster retail-focused onboarding
More beginner friendly
Cons:
May rely on internal custody/account structures
Support and infrastructure maturity may not match older brokers
What I Would Personally Do In Your Situation
Since Afrinvest already generated your CHN/CSCS:
I would likely:
keep the Afrinvest CSCS as the primary account,
avoid creating another CHN immediately,
test Afrinvest with a small transaction first,
monitor:
trade execution,
statements,
dividend handling,
responsiveness.
Then only open another fully separate CSCS later if:
you want diversification across brokers,
or one broker becomes unreliable.
One Very Important Thing Most Beginners Ignore
The broker itself is less important than:
proper CSCS registration,
accurate registrar records,
correct e-dividend setup,
good documentation,
long-term consistency.
Many Nigerian investors run into problems years later because they opened:
multiple CHNs,
multiple registrar records,
inconsistent names/bank details,
scattered holdings.
Then dividends and bonus shares become difficult to trace.
Your recent Zenith dividend issue is already showing why simplicity matters.
So at this stage:
one solid broker,
one clean CSCS structure,
one properly linked bank mandate,
is usually the cleaner approach.
What they are telling you means the CSCS account itself has likely already been opened, but the linkage between the CSCS account and your Meritrade trading profile has not yet synchronized on their system. That type of delay can happen because: CSCS creation and Meritrade activation are separate proRead more
What they are telling you means the CSCS account itself has likely already been opened, but the linkage between the CSCS account and your Meritrade trading profile has not yet synchronized on their system.
That type of delay can happen because:
CSCS creation and Meritrade activation are separate processes,
some parts are done manually by operations staff,
or their back-office team processes activations only during market/business hours.
Since they specifically said:
“Your CSCS account has now been created”
that is actually an important stage completed already.
The remaining issue is:
linking the CSCS account to your trading dashboard.
So at this moment, it does not yet strongly suggest loss of funds or fraud — it looks more like operational delay/backlog.
However:
182 hours (about 7+ days) for account setup is definitely poor service,
especially after you already funded the account.
For now, avoid funding additional money until everything becomes fully operational.
What You Should Do Now
1. Request Your CHN and CSCS Number Directly
Even before the Meritrade linkage appears, ask them for:
your CHN,
CSCS account number,
and confirmation email.
If they provide those, then the CSCS side truly exists already.
Official platforms:
Meristem Securities
CSCS Nigeria
2. Check If You Can Log Into Meritrade Later Today
Sometimes:
operations activate accounts manually,
especially after market opening.
So give them until close of business today before escalating harder.
3. Keep Records
Save:
all emails,
screenshots,
funding proof,
timestamps,
ticket numbers.
That becomes important if escalation becomes necessary.
4. Do NOT Trade Through Informal Means
Until the linkage is complete:
avoid sending further deposits,
avoid giving anyone OTPs or personal login details.
5. Escalate Professionally if No Resolution Today
If by end of business today:
CSCS still not linked,
or trading still unavailable,
then escalate firmly to:
customer care,
operations,
compliance department.
Here is a strong but professional follow-up message:
Email
Subject
Urgent Follow-Up on Pending CSCS Linkage and Meritrade Activation
Good day,
Thank you for your previous update confirming that my CSCS account has been created.
However, my Meritrade account is still not fully activated and the CSCS account has not yet been linked on my profile despite the significant delay already experienced since account registration and funding.
Kindly provide:
my CHN/CSCS account number,
confirmation that the linkage process has been completed,
and the exact timeline for full account activation.
Please note that I have already funded the account and would appreciate urgent resolution of this issue.
Thank you.
This happens because dividend eligibility is determined by ownership on a specific cutoff date — not by whether you still hold the shares later. The company already “records” who qualified before many people sell. Here is how it works step-by-step: 1. Company Announces Dividend Suppose Zenith Bank PRead more
This happens because dividend eligibility is determined by ownership on a specific cutoff date — not by whether you still hold the shares later.
The company already “records” who qualified before many people sell.
Here is how it works step-by-step:
1. Company Announces Dividend
Suppose Zenith Bank Plc declares:
₦5 dividend per share
They also announce:
qualification date,
ex-dividend date,
payment date.
2. Investors Buy Before Qualification Date
If you own the shares before the ex-dividend date, your name gets captured in the shareholder records through:
CSCS,
registrars,
and stockbrokers.
This record determines who will receive dividend.
3. The Registrar “Takes Snapshot”
On the qualification date, the registrar checks:
“Who are the shareholders entitled to dividend today?”
That list becomes fixed.
Even if you sell tomorrow, your name is already on the entitlement list.
That is why you can still receive dividend later.
4. After Qualification, Many People Sell
Once investors know they already qualified:
some no longer want to hold the stock,
so they sell immediately.
The buyer after ex-dividend date will NOT receive that declared dividend.
Instead:
the old owner gets it.
Example
Imagine this timeline:
Date
Event
May 1
You buy 1,000 shares
May 10
Qualification date
May 11
You sell all shares
May 20
Dividend payment date
You still receive dividend because on May 10:
the registrar already recorded you as owner.
Why Investors Do This
There are several reasons:
Dividend Capture Strategy
Some traders only want the dividend income.
They:
buy before qualification,
qualify for dividend,
sell afterward.
This is called:
dividend capture strategy.
They Expect Price To Drop
Since stocks usually fall after ex-dividend:
some investors sell quickly,
hoping to buy back later at lower prices.
Short-Term Trading
Some people are not long-term investors.
They simply:
chase dividend opportunities,
rotate capital,
move to another stock.
Important Reality
Dividend capture is not “free money.”
Why?
Because if:
stock price drops ₦5,
and dividend paid is ₦5,
your total value may remain almost the same.
Example:
Before:
Share price = ₦50
After ex-dividend:
Share price = ₦45
Dividend receivable = ₦5
Total economic value:
still around ₦50.
That is why experienced investors focus more on:
quality companies,
long-term growth,
sustainable dividends,
and capital appreciation.
Not just chasing dividend dates.
In Nigeria, dividend payments are usually processed by the company registrar through:
e-dividend bank mandate,
or direct bank payment.
Examples of registrars include:
Coronation Registrars
Meristem Registrars
Africa Prudential Registrars
They rely on the shareholder snapshot already taken before the shares were sold.
How Can I Find Unclaimed Dividends From My FCMB Shares?
It is not uncommon to misplace or forget about shares one owns, especially with banks like FCMB and Heritage Bank. If you find yourself in this situation, don't worry! Mama Ngozi is here to walk you through how you can search for and claim your lost shares.Imagine that Mr. Emeka bought shares from FRead more
It is not uncommon to misplace or forget about shares one owns, especially with banks like FCMB and Heritage Bank. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! Mama Ngozi is here to walk you through how you can search for and claim your lost shares.
Imagine that Mr. Emeka bought shares from FCMB and Heritage Bank some time ago, but they got misplaced in the hustle and bustle of daily life, just like when Mama Ngozi misplaced her special salt container in the market one sunny afternoon.
Now, to search for these lost shares, you can follow these simple steps:
1. Contact the Registrars: The first thing Mr. Emeka should do is to reach out to the registrars of FCMB and Heritage Bank. Registrars are like the record keepers who maintain details of shareholders. They can help in locating Mr. Emeka’s shares.
2. Provide Necessary Details: When contacting the registrars, Mr. Emeka will need to provide his personal details like full name, address, and any relevant information about the shares he purchased.
3. Check Unclaimed Dividends Website: Sometimes, lost shares may be linked to unclaimed dividends. Mr. Emeka can visit the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria website to check for any unclaimed dividends in his name.
4. Request for Share Certificate: If Mr. Emeka initially received a share certificate when he bought the shares, he should search for it diligently. Having a share certificate can help in the process of reclaiming lost shares.
5. Update Contact Information: It is crucial to ensure that Mr. Emeka’s contact information is up to date with the registrars. This way, if the shares are found, they can easily reach him.
6. Follow Up: Persistence is key. Mr. Emeka should follow up with the registrars regularly to check on the progress of the search for his lost shares.
By following these steps diligently, just like how Mama Ngozi meticulously searches for the ripest tomatoes in her stall, Mr. Emeka can increase his chances of successfully locating and claiming his lost shares from FCMB and Heritage Bank.
Remember, it’s all about being proactive and patient in the process. With determination and the right approach, Mr. Emeka can hopefully reunite with his forgotten shares and put them to good use.
See lessCan a Dangote Refinery IPO Subscription Create a Second CSCS Account or CHN?
A CSCS account number can be different from another CSCS account number, but a CHN is supposed to identify the investor. CSCS describes CHN as a unique number identifying an investor in the Nigerian capital market. I think the mix up is coming from when you were choosing the stockbroker. If I am getRead more
A CSCS account number can be different from another CSCS account number, but a CHN is supposed to identify the investor. CSCS describes CHN as a unique number identifying an investor in the Nigerian capital market.
I think the mix up is coming from when you were choosing the stockbroker.
If I am getting your question right…
Your friend already had:
Afrinvestor 2.0 account
CSCS Account No. A
CHN A
Then, while subscribing for the Dangote Refinery IPO through the NGX electronic application process, the system appears to have created/assigned:
IPO application
CSCS Account No. B
CHN B right? If it is that so..
That does not automatically mean the IPO money or shares are lost.
I think what is best now is that your friend
Contact Afrinvestor immediately
Email or contact Afrinvestor telling them that:
“I already had a CSCS account and CHN with Afrinvestor. I subsequently subscribed for the Dangote Refinery IPO through the NGX electronic application channel and the application generated a different CSCS account number and CHN. Please confirm which CHN was used for my IPO subscription and ensure that my existing investor identity is properly linked/consolidated.”
Ask them specifically to check the IPO application using the friend’s:
Full name
Existing CHN
Existing CSCS account number
New CSCS account number
New CHN
IPO app
Ask Afrinvestor one very specific question
See less“Which CHN will receive the Dangote Refinery IPO shares if my application is successful?”
That’s the question I would want answered.
Because the important thing isn’t merely that two numbers exist. We want to establish where the IPO allotment will be credited. Do you get?
Is a CHN the Same as a CSCS Account Number in Nigeria?
CHN = Clearing House Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to you as an investor in Nigeria’s capital market. Think of it as your investor ID within the market. CSCS +1 CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System. This is the institution that keeps the electronic records of your sharesRead more
CHN = Clearing House Number. It is a unique identification number assigned to you as an investor in Nigeria’s capital market. Think of it as your investor ID within the market.
CSCS +1
CSCS = Central Securities Clearing System. This is the institution that keeps the electronic records of your shares and handles clearing and settlement of securities transactions in Nigeria.
CSCS account number is the account associated with your holdings at CSCS, while your CHN identifies you as the investor. CSCS itself sometimes displays them together as CSCS No.
Simple example bro:
If you open an account with a Nigerian stockbroker:
You -Stockbroker- CSCS
You place an order through your stockbroker, but when you buy shares, the shares are recorded/held electronically within the CSCS system, under your investor details/CHN.
So if a broker asks you for your “CHN/CSCS number,” they’re generally asking for the identification/account details connected to your CSCS investment account.
See lessIf you tell me the name of the broker you’re opening an account with, I can also explain exactly which number they are asking for and where you can find it.
Did Intercontinental Bank Shareholders Receive Shares in the Acquiring Bank?
My dear, if your aunt has found her old Intercontinental Bank shares and the bank is no longer in existence, there are steps she can take to recover any accrued dividends and understand what happened to those shares.Imagine this scenario, back in the day when your aunt bought those shares, it was liRead more
My dear, if your aunt has found her old Intercontinental Bank shares and the bank is no longer in existence, there are steps she can take to recover any accrued dividends and understand what happened to those shares.
Imagine this scenario, back in the day when your aunt bought those shares, it was like planting seeds in a garden. The shares represent a piece of the company which, like a growing plant, could produce dividends over time. Now that the bank has transformed or merged into another entity, those seeds of the past still hold value.
To recover the dividends or understand the fate of those shares, your aunt can start by contacting the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria or the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). They are like the watchmen of the financial garden, ensuring that investors are not left in the dark. They can help provide information on what happened to the Intercontinental Bank shares and any dividends that may have accumulated.
Additionally, if the bank underwent a merger or acquisition, your aunt should check if the shares were converted to shares of a new entity. It’s like the old plant being grafted onto a new one, preserving its value in a different form.
Seeking guidance from a stockbroker or financial advisor can also shed light on the situation. They are like the experienced gardeners who understand how to nurture investments and can help your aunt navigate the process of recovering her shares or understanding their current status.
Remember, just like tending to a garden requires patience and care, delving into the world of recovered shares may take some time and effort. But with the right guidance and a bit of digging, your aunt may uncover a fruitful harvest from her past investments.
See lessDo I Need to Include My CHN in the Narration When Funding My Investment Wallet?
You normally do not need to put your CSCS number or CHN in the bank-transfer narration unless the specific wallet or investment platform instructs you to do so. The narration is usually meant to help identify the purpose or reference of the transfer. If the platform provides a specific narration, acRead more
You normally do not need to put your CSCS number or CHN in the bank-transfer narration unless the specific wallet or investment platform instructs you to do so.
The narration is usually meant to help identify the purpose or reference of the transfer. If the platform provides a specific narration, account number, customer ID, or reference to use when funding your wallet, follow those instructions exactly.
Your CSCS/CHN details are separate from the bank-transfer narration unless the platform specifically asks you to include them.
If you’re unsure, check the wallet’s funding instructions before transferring, because using the wrong reference could delay the crediting of your funds.
See lessWhat Is AER and How Is It Used to Compare Investment Returns in Nigeria?
I’ll explain them in practical Nigerian-investor terms. 1. AER — Annual Equivalent Rate AER means Annual Equivalent Rate. It is mainly used to show what your return would be over one year, taking compounding into account. Simple example Suppose an investment says: 15% AER It means that if the moneyRead more
I’ll explain them in practical Nigerian-investor terms.
See less1. AER — Annual Equivalent Rate
AER means Annual Equivalent Rate.
It is mainly used to show what your return would be over one year, taking compounding into account.
Simple example
Suppose an investment says:
15% AER
It means that if the money remains invested for one full year and the applicable returns are compounded according to the product’s terms, the equivalent annual return is 15%.
So, if you invested ₦1,000,000 and actually achieved a 15% AER for one year:
₦1,000,000 × 15% = ₦150,000
You would have approximately:
₦1,150,000
before considering any applicable fees, taxes or other charges.
Why AER matters
When comparing investments, don’t simply look at a figure such as “monthly return” or “interest rate.” AER helps you compare returns on a common annual basis.
For example:
Investment
Advertised return
What you should ask
Investment A
12%
Is this AER?
Investment B
15%
Is it guaranteed or projected?
Investment C
18%
What are the fees and risks?
Important: AER is a measure of return, not a guarantee that you will make that return. Always check whether the stated rate is fixed, projected, historical or variable.
2. Portfolio
Your portfolio is essentially the collection of investments you own.
Think of it as your investment basket.
For example, suppose you own:
1,000 GTCO shares
500 Zenith Bank shares
300 UBA shares
₦2 million in a money-market fund
₦1 million in Treasury Bills
All of these together constitute your investment portfolio.
What you normally see in a portfolio
An investment app may show:
Company | Quantity | Average price | Current price | Market value | Gain/Loss
For example:
Stock
Quantity
Average price
Current price
Value
GTCO
1,000
₦70
₦90
₦90,000
UBA
2,000
₦25
₦30
₦60,000
Your portfolio therefore allows you to answer:
“What investments do I currently own, and how much are they worth?”
How you use your portfolio
You should regularly look at:
1. Quantity
How many shares/units you own.
2. Average purchase price
What you have effectively paid per share/unit.
3. Current price
What the investment is currently worth in the market.
4. Market value
The current value of your holding.
5. Gain/Loss
How much the investment has increased or decreased in value.
Example
You bought 1,000 shares at ₦50:
Investment = ₦50,000
If the share rises to ₦70:
Current value = ₦70,000
Your unrealised gain is:
₦20,000
That gain is generally unrealised until you sell.
3. Watchlist
A watchlist is different from your portfolio.
Portfolio = what you own
Watchlist = what you are watching
Suppose you don’t own Dangote Cement but you are considering buying it.
You can add it to your watchlist.
You might also put:
GTCO
Zenith
UBA
Dangote Cement
Airtel Africa
BUA Foods
on your watchlist.
The purpose is to monitor things such as:
Current price
Price movement
Percentage change
Trading activity
Sometimes financial information
Sometimes news
Sometimes dividend information
Very important distinction
If you put a company on your watchlist:
You have NOT bought it.
Adding a stock to a watchlist does not mean you own the stock.
4. CSCS
CSCS means Central Securities Clearing System.
This is extremely important when you invest in Nigerian securities.
CSCS is the infrastructure that handles the electronic clearing, settlement and custody/recording of securities traded in the Nigerian capital market.
Think of it this way:
Your investment app/broker is the interface you use. CSCS is part of the underlying system through which your securities are recorded and settled.
The SEC also advises investors to obtain and keep their CSCS statements of account. �
SEC Nigeria
Why CSCS matters to you
If you buy shares through a registered stockbroker, your shares are not simply “inside the app.”
The app is primarily your window into your investment account.
The securities are recorded within the capital-market infrastructure, including your CSCS account.
This is why you can potentially change brokers without necessarily losing ownership of your shares.
CSCS itself states that you need to open an account with a stockbroker before opening a CSCS account. �
CSCS
5. CHN
CHN means Clearing House Number.
According to CSCS, it is a unique number that identifies each investor in the Nigerian capital market. �
CSCS
Think of your CHN as an important investor identification number within the Nigerian capital-market system.
It is different from your bank account number.
It is also different from your BVN.
And it is different from your CSCS account number.
Why CHN is important
Suppose you have shares with different stockbrokers.
Your CHN helps identify you within the capital-market system.
This becomes particularly important when dealing with issues such as:
Existing shares
Changing brokers
Consolidating investment records
Dematerialisation
Duplicate CSCS accounts
Tracking holdings
Resolving discrepancies
Given your earlier question about duplicate CSCS accounts, this distinction is especially important: having more than one broker relationship does not mean you should casually assume that you need multiple investor identities.
Putting the five together
Here’s the easiest way to remember everything:
Term
Think of it as
Main purpose
AER
Annual return measurement
Compare investment returns
Portfolio
Your investment basket
See what you own
Watchlist
Your observation list
Monitor investments you may buy
CSCS
Securities infrastructure/account
Record/settle your securities
CHN
Your capital-market identifier
Identify you in the capital market
Now, your most important question: Does the app become your broker?
Not necessarily.
This is a very important distinction.
An investment app is not automatically a stockbroker simply because you use the app to buy shares.
There can be several layers:
YOU
↓
Investment app/platform
↓
Registered stockbroker / Capital Market Operator
↓
NGX / trading infrastructure
↓
CSCS
So, when you press BUY on an app, the app may be providing the technology/interface through which your order is submitted, while an underlying registered broker executes the transaction.
The exact arrangement depends on the particular app.
The Nigerian SEC says that investors trade shares through registered stockbrokers. �
SEC Nigeria
The SEC also maintains a database where you can verify whether an operator is registered and what function it is authorised to perform. �
SEC Nigeria
So how do you know who your actual broker is?
This is something I strongly recommend you learn to check.
Go into your investment app and look for sections such as:
Profile → Account → Trading account → Broker → CSCS → Account details
You may find information identifying:
Your stockbroker
Your CHN
Your CSCS account
Your trading account
Your investment/advisory provider
If you cannot find it, contact the app’s customer service and ask:
“Who is the SEC-registered stockbroker executing my NGX trades, and what is the name of the Capital Market Operator attached to my account?”
That is a very reasonable question.
But what about investment advice?
This is where you need to be careful.
An app can make it easy to buy an investment, but that does not necessarily mean the app is giving you personalised investment advice.
For example, an app may show:
GTCO — ₦95
+3.2%
That’s market information.
It may show:
“Top Gainers”
That’s market information.
But:
“You should invest ₦2 million in GTCO because it is suitable for your financial situation.”
That is much closer to investment advice.
The SEC distinguishes regulated capital-market functions, and investment advisory services are regulated activities. �
SEC Nigeria
How I would recommend you approach investing through an app
Don’t simply do:
See stock → press BUY.
Instead use this process:
STEP 1 — Identify the investment
For example:
“I am considering buying GTCO.”
STEP 2 — Understand the company
Ask:
What does the company do?
Is it profitable?
Is revenue growing?
Is earnings growing?
Does it pay dividends?
Does it have significant debt?
What is its valuation?
What are the major risks?
STEP 3 — Decide why you are buying it
For example:
“I’m buying because I want long-term capital growth and dividend income.”
That’s much better than:
“Someone told me the price will rise.”
STEP 4 — Decide how much
Don’t put your entire investment capital into one company simply because you like it.
STEP 5 — Consult your broker/adviser where appropriate
Ask questions such as:
“What is your current research view on this company?”
“What are the major risks?”
“Is this stock suitable for a long-term investor?”
“What valuation metrics should I consider?”
“Are there any corporate actions or important announcements I should know about?”
A registered broker/adviser can provide professional information and advice within their authorised role.
STEP 6 — Verify independently
Don’t rely exclusively on what the app says.
The SEC specifically warns investors against relying on investment advice from unregistered persons or platforms. �
SEC Nigeria
One very important principle
Your app is a tool. It is not your brain.
The app can help you:
Research → monitor → place orders → track → manage
But you still need to understand:
What am I buying?
Why am I buying it?
What can I lose?
How long am I investing?
What return am I expecting?
A simple picture of your investing journey
Think of it like this:
YOUR MONEY
↓
Investment decision
↓
Broker/app
↓
Buy order
↓
Market
↓
CSCS / settlement infrastructure
↓
Your securities are recorded
↓
Your app shows the position in your portfolio
And your watchlist sits beside this process, helping you monitor investments you haven’t bought yet.
One final caution
Before putting serious money into any investment app, verify the operator with the SEC and establish exactly what regulated function it performs. The SEC currently advises investors to verify platforms and capital-market operators before transacting. �
SEC Nigeria +1
SEC Nigeria — Find a Registered Operator�
CSCS — Investor FAQs�
Can I Have Multiple Brokerage Accounts With Afrinvest and InvestNaija in Nigeria?
Yes, you can legally have multiple brokerage accounts in Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with having accounts with both afrinvest.com and investnaija.com But the key issue here is not the brokerage account itself — it is the CSCS/CHN structure. Here is what is happening technically: Your CHN (CleariRead more
Yes, you can legally have multiple brokerage accounts in Nigeria. There is nothing wrong with having accounts with both afrinvest.com and investnaija.com
See lessBut the key issue here is not the brokerage account itself — it is the CSCS/CHN structure.
Here is what is happening technically:
Your CHN (Clearing House Number) and CSCS account are usually tied to the stockbroker that created them.
Some brokers allow account portability/linking.
Some fintech-style platforms prefer generating and managing their own custody structure internally.
That is why InvestNaija is telling you they cannot use the Afrinvest-generated CHN/CSCS on their platform.
That does not necessarily mean anything fraudulent is happening. It is often a platform architecture/custody limitation.
Now to your real question:
Should You Open Another CSCS Through InvestNaija?
You can, but you need to understand the implications.
If You Create Another CSCS/CHN:
You may end up with:
two brokerage accounts,
two CSCS accounts,
two CHNs,
separate portfolios.
Example:
Zenith shares bought via Afrinvest stay under Afrinvest-linked CSCS.
UBA shares bought later via InvestNaija stay under InvestNaija-linked CSCS.
That is allowed in Nigeria.
But it creates:
more complexity,
more registrar records,
more dividend mandate management,
more reconciliation issues later.
And from your recent dividend experience, you can already see how fragmented records can become stressful.
Important Clarification:
“Is it the same stocks posted on Afrinvest that will be posted on InvestNaija?”
Yes.
Both platforms access the same:
Nigerian Exchange Group market,
same listed companies,
same market prices.
So:
Zenith Bank Plc shares are Zenith shares everywhere.
GTCO Plc is the same stock everywhere.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc is the same stock everywhere.
The difference is:
platform interface,
fees,
execution speed,
customer support,
settlement efficiency,
research tools,
custody structure,
dividend handling.
Not the actual stocks.
My Practical Recommendation
Given your experience already:
Keep One Main Broker First
At your current stage, it is cleaner operationally to:
choose one primary broker,
maintain one major CSCS/CHN,
centralize dividends and records.
This reduces:
registrar confusion,
e-dividend complications,
forgotten holdings,
account reconciliation stress.
Which One Would I Lean Toward?
Based on what you described:
Afrinvest
Pros:
Established traditional broker
Strong institutional background
Direct market credibility
More mature investment infrastructure
Cons:
Slow onboarding/customer support (your experience confirms this)
InvestNaija
Pros:
Easier modern UI
Faster retail-focused onboarding
More beginner friendly
Cons:
May rely on internal custody/account structures
Support and infrastructure maturity may not match older brokers
What I Would Personally Do In Your Situation
Since Afrinvest already generated your CHN/CSCS:
I would likely:
keep the Afrinvest CSCS as the primary account,
avoid creating another CHN immediately,
test Afrinvest with a small transaction first,
monitor:
trade execution,
statements,
dividend handling,
responsiveness.
Then only open another fully separate CSCS later if:
you want diversification across brokers,
or one broker becomes unreliable.
One Very Important Thing Most Beginners Ignore
The broker itself is less important than:
proper CSCS registration,
accurate registrar records,
correct e-dividend setup,
good documentation,
long-term consistency.
Many Nigerian investors run into problems years later because they opened:
multiple CHNs,
multiple registrar records,
inconsistent names/bank details,
scattered holdings.
Then dividends and bonus shares become difficult to trace.
Your recent Zenith dividend issue is already showing why simplicity matters.
So at this stage:
one solid broker,
one clean CSCS structure,
one properly linked bank mandate,
is usually the cleaner approach.
Why Is My CSCS Account Not Linked to My MeriTrade Account in Nigeria?
What they are telling you means the CSCS account itself has likely already been opened, but the linkage between the CSCS account and your Meritrade trading profile has not yet synchronized on their system. That type of delay can happen because: CSCS creation and Meritrade activation are separate proRead more
What they are telling you means the CSCS account itself has likely already been opened, but the linkage between the CSCS account and your Meritrade trading profile has not yet synchronized on their system.
See lessThat type of delay can happen because:
CSCS creation and Meritrade activation are separate processes,
some parts are done manually by operations staff,
or their back-office team processes activations only during market/business hours.
Since they specifically said:
“Your CSCS account has now been created”
that is actually an important stage completed already.
The remaining issue is:
linking the CSCS account to your trading dashboard.
So at this moment, it does not yet strongly suggest loss of funds or fraud — it looks more like operational delay/backlog.
However:
182 hours (about 7+ days) for account setup is definitely poor service,
especially after you already funded the account.
For now, avoid funding additional money until everything becomes fully operational.
What You Should Do Now
1. Request Your CHN and CSCS Number Directly
Even before the Meritrade linkage appears, ask them for:
your CHN,
CSCS account number,
and confirmation email.
If they provide those, then the CSCS side truly exists already.
Official platforms:
Meristem Securities
CSCS Nigeria
2. Check If You Can Log Into Meritrade Later Today
Sometimes:
operations activate accounts manually,
especially after market opening.
So give them until close of business today before escalating harder.
3. Keep Records
Save:
all emails,
screenshots,
funding proof,
timestamps,
ticket numbers.
That becomes important if escalation becomes necessary.
4. Do NOT Trade Through Informal Means
Until the linkage is complete:
avoid sending further deposits,
avoid giving anyone OTPs or personal login details.
5. Escalate Professionally if No Resolution Today
If by end of business today:
CSCS still not linked,
or trading still unavailable,
then escalate firmly to:
customer care,
operations,
compliance department.
Here is a strong but professional follow-up message:
Email
Subject
Urgent Follow-Up on Pending CSCS Linkage and Meritrade Activation
Good day,
Thank you for your previous update confirming that my CSCS account has been created.
However, my Meritrade account is still not fully activated and the CSCS account has not yet been linked on my profile despite the significant delay already experienced since account registration and funding.
Kindly provide:
my CHN/CSCS account number,
confirmation that the linkage process has been completed,
and the exact timeline for full account activation.
Please note that I have already funded the account and would appreciate urgent resolution of this issue.
Thank you.
Why Do Investors Sell Shares After Qualifying for Dividends in Nigeria?
This happens because dividend eligibility is determined by ownership on a specific cutoff date — not by whether you still hold the shares later. The company already “records” who qualified before many people sell. Here is how it works step-by-step: 1. Company Announces Dividend Suppose Zenith Bank PRead more
This happens because dividend eligibility is determined by ownership on a specific cutoff date — not by whether you still hold the shares later.
See lessThe company already “records” who qualified before many people sell.
Here is how it works step-by-step:
1. Company Announces Dividend
Suppose Zenith Bank Plc declares:
₦5 dividend per share
They also announce:
qualification date,
ex-dividend date,
payment date.
2. Investors Buy Before Qualification Date
If you own the shares before the ex-dividend date, your name gets captured in the shareholder records through:
CSCS,
registrars,
and stockbrokers.
This record determines who will receive dividend.
3. The Registrar “Takes Snapshot”
On the qualification date, the registrar checks:
“Who are the shareholders entitled to dividend today?”
That list becomes fixed.
Even if you sell tomorrow, your name is already on the entitlement list.
That is why you can still receive dividend later.
4. After Qualification, Many People Sell
Once investors know they already qualified:
some no longer want to hold the stock,
so they sell immediately.
The buyer after ex-dividend date will NOT receive that declared dividend.
Instead:
the old owner gets it.
Example
Imagine this timeline:
Date
Event
May 1
You buy 1,000 shares
May 10
Qualification date
May 11
You sell all shares
May 20
Dividend payment date
You still receive dividend because on May 10:
the registrar already recorded you as owner.
Why Investors Do This
There are several reasons:
Dividend Capture Strategy
Some traders only want the dividend income.
They:
buy before qualification,
qualify for dividend,
sell afterward.
This is called:
dividend capture strategy.
They Expect Price To Drop
Since stocks usually fall after ex-dividend:
some investors sell quickly,
hoping to buy back later at lower prices.
Short-Term Trading
Some people are not long-term investors.
They simply:
chase dividend opportunities,
rotate capital,
move to another stock.
Important Reality
Dividend capture is not “free money.”
Why?
Because if:
stock price drops ₦5,
and dividend paid is ₦5,
your total value may remain almost the same.
Example:
Before:
Share price = ₦50
After ex-dividend:
Share price = ₦45
Dividend receivable = ₦5
Total economic value:
still around ₦50.
That is why experienced investors focus more on:
quality companies,
long-term growth,
sustainable dividends,
and capital appreciation.
Not just chasing dividend dates.
In Nigeria, dividend payments are usually processed by the company registrar through:
e-dividend bank mandate,
or direct bank payment.
Examples of registrars include:
Coronation Registrars
Meristem Registrars
Africa Prudential Registrars
They rely on the shareholder snapshot already taken before the shares were sold.
How Can I Recover Old Access Bank Shares Bought in Nigeria in 2007?
I think that can be achieved with the number, email and CHCS code. Hope he/she had it written down ?
I think that can be achieved with the number, email and CHCS code.
See lessHope he/she had it written down ?