Dematerialization is the process of converting your physical share certificates into electronic form and crediting them into your CSCS account. Once dematerialized, you no longer need to keep paper certificates, and you can easily receive dividends, bonuses, and sell the shares through a stockbrokerRead more
Dematerialization is the process of converting your physical share certificates into electronic form and crediting them into your CSCS account. Once dematerialized, you no longer need to keep paper certificates, and you can easily receive dividends, bonuses, and sell the shares through a stockbroker.
How to Dematerialize Share Certificates in Nigeria
Open a CSCS account
If you don’t already have one, open a CSCS account through a registered stockbroker or investment platform that provides stockbroking services.
Gather your documents
Original share certificate(s)
Valid means of identification
Passport photograph (if required)
Completed Dematerialization Form from your stockbroker
Submit the documents
Give the original certificates and completed forms to your stockbroker.
The broker forwards them to the company’s registrar for verification.
Verification and Credit
The registrar verifies the certificates.
Once approved, the shares are credited electronically to your CSCS account.
Confirmation
You receive confirmation from your broker when the shares appear in your CSCS account.
How Much Does It Cost?
For most investors, dematerialization itself is usually free or attracts minimal administrative charges, depending on the broker and registrar involved. However:
Some stockbrokers may charge processing fees.
You may incur costs if there are issues such as name discrepancies, signature updates, estate-related transfers, or lost certificates.
It is best to confirm the current charges with your stockbroker before submission.
If the Certificates Are Old
If the certificates are from many years ago:
Check whether the company still exists or has undergone mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring.
Verify whether bonus shares were issued over the years.
Update your e-dividend registration simultaneously so future dividends go directly to your bank account.
You're not alone — this happens to many Nigerians who bought shares years ago. The good news is your shares are NOT lost, even if: You stopped receiving dividends You misplaced your share certificate It's been over 10 years Let me walk you through exactly what to do step-by-step 👇 First — Your ShareRead more
You’re not alone — this happens to many Nigerians who bought shares years ago. The good news is your shares are NOT lost, even if:
You stopped receiving dividends
You misplaced your share certificate
It’s been over 10 years
Let me walk you through exactly what to do step-by-step 👇
First — Your Shares Are Still Yours
If you bought shares in:
Access Holdings Plc (formerly Access Bank)
DAAR Communications Plc (owners of African Independent Television (AIT))
Your shares are recorded in:
Registrar records
Or Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS)
So even if certificate is lost, you can recover everything.
Why You Stopped Receiving Dividends
Most likely reasons:
You didn’t complete E-Dividend registration
Your address changed
Registrar couldn’t reach you
Dividends moved to Unclaimed Dividend Account
Don’t worry — you can still claim them (even after 10 years).
Step-By-Step: What You Should Do Now
Step 1 — Contact the Registrars
Every company has a registrar managing shareholder records.
For Access Holdings
Registrar:
Coronation Registrars Limited
For DAAR Communications
Registrar:
Africa Prudential Plc
Contact them and tell them:
“I bought shares over 10 years ago, lost my certificate, and stopped receiving dividends. I want to update my records and claim my dividends.”
Step 2 — Request These Things
Tell them you want:
Share verification
Lost certificate replacement
Unclaimed dividend claim
E-Dividend registration
Step 3 — Documents You’ll Need
Usually:
Valid ID (NIN / Driver’s License / Passport)
Passport photograph
Bank account details
Old address (if you remember)
Phone number used then (if possible)
Step 4 — Fill E-Dividend Form
This ensures:
Dividends go directly to your bank
No more lost dividend letters
Very Important (Good News)
Even if you never claimed dividends for 10 years:
You can still recover:
All past dividends
Bonus shares (if any)
Rights issues (if any)
One More Thing — Your Shares May Have Grown
For example:
Access Holdings Plc has issued bonus shares multiple times
Your original shares may now be more than you bought
You might be surprised how much you now own.
Faster Option (Recommended)
You can also go through:
Your stockbroker (if you remember who you used)
Or any new stockbroker to help trace
They can check through:
Nigerian Exchange Group
Central Securities Clearing System
How Can I Dematerialize My Share Certificate in Nigeria?
Dematerialization is the process of converting your physical share certificates into electronic form and crediting them into your CSCS account. Once dematerialized, you no longer need to keep paper certificates, and you can easily receive dividends, bonuses, and sell the shares through a stockbrokerRead more
Dematerialization is the process of converting your physical share certificates into electronic form and crediting them into your CSCS account. Once dematerialized, you no longer need to keep paper certificates, and you can easily receive dividends, bonuses, and sell the shares through a stockbroker.
See lessHow to Dematerialize Share Certificates in Nigeria
Open a CSCS account
If you don’t already have one, open a CSCS account through a registered stockbroker or investment platform that provides stockbroking services.
Gather your documents
Original share certificate(s)
Valid means of identification
Passport photograph (if required)
Completed Dematerialization Form from your stockbroker
Submit the documents
Give the original certificates and completed forms to your stockbroker.
The broker forwards them to the company’s registrar for verification.
Verification and Credit
The registrar verifies the certificates.
Once approved, the shares are credited electronically to your CSCS account.
Confirmation
You receive confirmation from your broker when the shares appear in your CSCS account.
How Much Does It Cost?
For most investors, dematerialization itself is usually free or attracts minimal administrative charges, depending on the broker and registrar involved. However:
Some stockbrokers may charge processing fees.
You may incur costs if there are issues such as name discrepancies, signature updates, estate-related transfers, or lost certificates.
It is best to confirm the current charges with your stockbroker before submission.
If the Certificates Are Old
If the certificates are from many years ago:
Check whether the company still exists or has undergone mergers, acquisitions, or restructuring.
Verify whether bonus shares were issued over the years.
Update your e-dividend registration simultaneously so future dividends go directly to your bank account.
What can I do if I lost my share certificate and stopped receiving dividends in Nigeria?
You're not alone — this happens to many Nigerians who bought shares years ago. The good news is your shares are NOT lost, even if: You stopped receiving dividends You misplaced your share certificate It's been over 10 years Let me walk you through exactly what to do step-by-step 👇 First — Your ShareRead more
You’re not alone — this happens to many Nigerians who bought shares years ago. The good news is your shares are NOT lost, even if:
See lessYou stopped receiving dividends
You misplaced your share certificate
It’s been over 10 years
Let me walk you through exactly what to do step-by-step 👇
First — Your Shares Are Still Yours
If you bought shares in:
Access Holdings Plc (formerly Access Bank)
DAAR Communications Plc (owners of African Independent Television (AIT))
Your shares are recorded in:
Registrar records
Or Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS)
So even if certificate is lost, you can recover everything.
Why You Stopped Receiving Dividends
Most likely reasons:
You didn’t complete E-Dividend registration
Your address changed
Registrar couldn’t reach you
Dividends moved to Unclaimed Dividend Account
Don’t worry — you can still claim them (even after 10 years).
Step-By-Step: What You Should Do Now
Step 1 — Contact the Registrars
Every company has a registrar managing shareholder records.
For Access Holdings
Registrar:
Coronation Registrars Limited
For DAAR Communications
Registrar:
Africa Prudential Plc
Contact them and tell them:
“I bought shares over 10 years ago, lost my certificate, and stopped receiving dividends. I want to update my records and claim my dividends.”
Step 2 — Request These Things
Tell them you want:
Share verification
Lost certificate replacement
Unclaimed dividend claim
E-Dividend registration
Step 3 — Documents You’ll Need
Usually:
Valid ID (NIN / Driver’s License / Passport)
Passport photograph
Bank account details
Old address (if you remember)
Phone number used then (if possible)
Step 4 — Fill E-Dividend Form
This ensures:
Dividends go directly to your bank
No more lost dividend letters
Very Important (Good News)
Even if you never claimed dividends for 10 years:
You can still recover:
All past dividends
Bonus shares (if any)
Rights issues (if any)
One More Thing — Your Shares May Have Grown
For example:
Access Holdings Plc has issued bonus shares multiple times
Your original shares may now be more than you bought
You might be surprised how much you now own.
Faster Option (Recommended)
You can also go through:
Your stockbroker (if you remember who you used)
Or any new stockbroker to help trace
They can check through:
Nigerian Exchange Group
Central Securities Clearing System