Sorry for your loss. You can still claim your dad’s unclaimed dividends even if you don’t have his CSCS number or know the exact shares.

In Nigeria, unclaimed dividends are kept by the *registrars + SEC* and you can trace them with his name and documents.

Here’s the step-by-step:

### *Step 1: Gather the documents you WILL need*
Since you don’t have the CSCS details, you’ll prove ownership through your dad. Registrars need this:
1. *Death Certificate* of your dad – original + photocopy
2. *Letter of Administration / Probate* from court – this names you/the family as the legal administrator of his estate. This is the most important one
3. *Your ID* – National ID, Driver’s license, or International Passport + BVN
4. *Passport photos* of the administrator
5. *Affidavit of Next of Kin* from High Court – states you are the rightful heir
6. *Newspaper publication* – 2 national newspapers announcing the death + intent to claim

Note: If the shares were joint or small value, some registrars accept just Death Cert + Will + ID. But for full transfer, court papers are required.

### *Step 2: Find out which companies/registrars to contact*
Without CSCS, do this:
1. *SEC e-Dividend Mandate Management System*: Go to `www.sec.gov.ng` → e-Dividend portal. Search with your dad’s full name + BVN. It will show all companies paying dividends to that name/BVN
2. *Registrar search*: The 3 big registrars hold most shares:
– *Africa Prudential Registrars*
– *First Registrars & Investor Services*
– *GTL Registrars / Meristem Registrars*
Email them with your dad’s full name and date of birth. Ask for “shareholding search”
3. *Check old documents*: Bank statements, dividend warrants, share certificates, or even emails. The registrar name is usually at the bottom

### *Step 3: File for “Transmission of Shares”*
This is the legal process to move shares from a deceased person to heirs.
1. Go to the registrar(s) you found in Step 2
2. Submit all documents from Step 1
3. Fill *Transmission Form* + *e-Dividend Mandate Form* with your own bank account
4. They will verify with SEC and the company
5. Once approved: All past unclaimed dividends + future dividends will be paid into your account. Shares will be transferred to a new CSCS in your name

Processing time: 4-12 weeks depending on registrar.

### *Step 4: Claim from SEC if you can’t trace the registrar*
SEC Nigeria has an *Unclaimed Dividend Trust Fund*.
1. Go to SEC office or `www.sec.gov.ng` → Unclaimed Dividend section
2. Download “Claim Form for Unclaimed Dividend”
3. Submit with the same documents above
4. SEC will trace and direct the registrar to pay you

### *Important Tips*
– *No CSCS needed to start*: Name + Death Cert + Letter of Admin is enough to begin the search
– *Beware of scammers*: Registrars and SEC don’t ask for money upfront to “release” dividends. Only pay normal admin/legal fees
– *Multiple heirs*: If there are other children/spouse, the Letter of Administration should list all, or you’ll need their consent
– *BVN is powerful*: If your dad’s BVN was linked to his bank, the e-dividend portal will find most of his holdings

### *Quick Checklist*
1. Get Death Certificate + Letter of Administration
2. Search SEC e-Dividend portal with Dad’s Name + BVN
3. Contact the registrar(s) found + submit transmission documents
4. Open a CSCS account in your name to receive the shares
5. Mandate your bank account for future dividends

This process works for any Nigerian quoted company.