Dematerialisation involves verification of the physical certificates by the registrar, after which the electronic records are sent to CSCS. CSCS itself says stockbrokers submit the documents to registrars for verification, and the registrars send the verified records to CSCS. SEC Nigeria +1 What couRead more
Dematerialisation involves verification of the physical certificates by the registrar, after which the electronic records are sent to CSCS. CSCS itself says stockbrokers submit the documents to registrars for verification, and the registrars send the verified records to CSCS.
SEC Nigeria +1
What could be causing the delay?
The most likely possibilities are:
Problem with some of the share certificates
The 50 shares may have passed verification while the remaining certificates have an issue.
There could be differences in the shareholder’s name, certificate number, number of shares, signature, address or other details.
Registrar verification problem
The registrar may still be trying to reconcile your physical certificates with its old shareholder records.
This is particularly possible with older shares or certificates originating from different companies/mergers.
Incomplete or inconsistent shareholder information
Your name on the certificate may differ from your current CSCS/broker account.
BVN, NIN, date of birth, address or other KYC information may need correction.
Multiple certificates
If the 675 shares consist of several certificates, some may have been successfully verified while others are being queried.
The broker may be waiting for the registrar
This is important: the broker may not be the party that can finally approve the remaining shares. The registrar maintains the shareholder records and verifies the certificates.
A 10-week delay is longer than what most investors would reasonably expect for a straightforward dematerialization, especially when all documents were submitted correctly. Since you've already contacted Cowrywise, Meristem, and the registrar, the next step is to escalate formally and create a documeRead more
A 10-week delay is longer than what most investors would reasonably expect for a straightforward dematerialization, especially when all documents were submitted correctly. Since you’ve already contacted Cowrywise, Meristem, and the registrar, the next step is to escalate formally and create a documented trail.
What I would do next
1. Demand written confirmation from Meristem
Meristem is the stockbroker handling the dematerialization, so they should be able to provide:
Date the application was submitted to the registrar.
Dematerialization reference number (if any).
Acknowledgement copy or dispatch evidence sent to the registrar.
Current status of the request.
Send an email and insist on a written response rather than phone conversations.
2. Copy all parties in one email
Write a single email addressed to:
Cowrywise
Meristem Securities
Greenwich Registrars & Data Solutions
State:
Shareholder name.
Wema Bank share certificate details.
Date application was submitted.
That 10 weeks have elapsed without resolution.
That the registrar has requested an acknowledgement copy which has not been provided.
Request a response within 5 working days.
3. Escalate to the broker’s compliance unit
If Meristem does not respond satisfactorily, ask specifically for:
Compliance Officer.
Head of Customer Experience.
Managing Director’s office.
A compliance complaint often receives quicker attention than ordinary customer service enquiries.
4. Escalate to the regulator
If another week passes without progress, file a formal complaint with the Nigerian capital market regulator:
sec.gov.ng�
Provide:
Copies of emails.
Share certificate details.
Evidence of submission.
Names of Cowrywise and Meristem representatives contacted.
SEC typically expects capital market operators to respond to investor complaints.
5. Contact Wema Bank Investor Relations
Since these are Wema Bank shares, you can also notify:
wemabank.com�
They may direct the registrar to review the matter or advise on any known issues affecting share transfers.
Possible reasons for the delay
Common causes include:
Signature mismatch.
Name discrepancy between certificate and CSCS account.
Missing registrar acknowledgement.
Backlog at the registrar.
Broker failing to forward documents promptly.
Unresolved shareholder verification issues.
The fact that the registrar asked for an acknowledgement copy suggests they may not have complete visibility of the submission, which is why obtaining proof from Meristem is now critical.
Suggested approach
At this stage, stop going back and forth individually. Send one escalation email to all three parties (Cowrywise, Meristem, and Greenwich) requesting:
Proof of submission.
Current status.
Expected completion date.
If there is no meaningful response within 5–7 working days, escalate directly to
Subject
Escalation: Outstanding Dematerialization of Wema Bank Plc Shares – Request for Immediate Resolution
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally escalate the prolonged delay in the dematerialization of my Wema Bank Plc shares.
My dematerialization application was submitted through Cowrywise, which engaged Meristem Securities as the stockbroker handling the process. As of today, over ten (10) weeks have elapsed since submission, yet I have not received confirmation of completion, a clear status update, or any indication of when the process will be concluded.
During my follow-up efforts, I have been repeatedly referred between Cowrywise and Meristem without receiving a definitive response. I also contacted Greenwich Registrars & Data Solutions directly and was informed that an acknowledgement copy or evidence of submission is required. Unfortunately, despite multiple requests, I have been unable to obtain this document from either Cowrywise or Meristem.
I respectfully request the following:
1. Confirmation of the current status of my dematerialization request.
2. A copy of the acknowledgement, submission receipt, or any evidence showing that my application was forwarded to the registrar.
3. Clarification of any outstanding issues, deficiencies, or discrepancies affecting the process.
4. A definite timeline for completion of the dematerialization.
I believe ten weeks is more than sufficient time for an update or resolution, and the continued lack of clarity is causing significant inconvenience, particularly as I intend to rebalance my investment portfolio and require access to these shares.
Kindly treat this matter as urgent and provide a written response within five (5) working days of receipt of this email.
Should I not receive a satisfactory response within this period, I will be compelled to escalate the matter through the appropriate regulatory channels, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), while providing a full record of my correspondence and follow-up efforts.
I appreciate your prompt attention and look forward to an immediate resolution.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[CSCS Account Number, if applicable]
[CHN Number, if applicable]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
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.
Why Are My Dematerialized Shares Not Fully Credited to My CSCS Account in Nigeria?
Dematerialisation involves verification of the physical certificates by the registrar, after which the electronic records are sent to CSCS. CSCS itself says stockbrokers submit the documents to registrars for verification, and the registrars send the verified records to CSCS. SEC Nigeria +1 What couRead more
Dematerialisation involves verification of the physical certificates by the registrar, after which the electronic records are sent to CSCS. CSCS itself says stockbrokers submit the documents to registrars for verification, and the registrars send the verified records to CSCS.
See lessSEC Nigeria +1
What could be causing the delay?
The most likely possibilities are:
Problem with some of the share certificates
The 50 shares may have passed verification while the remaining certificates have an issue.
There could be differences in the shareholder’s name, certificate number, number of shares, signature, address or other details.
Registrar verification problem
The registrar may still be trying to reconcile your physical certificates with its old shareholder records.
This is particularly possible with older shares or certificates originating from different companies/mergers.
Incomplete or inconsistent shareholder information
Your name on the certificate may differ from your current CSCS/broker account.
BVN, NIN, date of birth, address or other KYC information may need correction.
Multiple certificates
If the 675 shares consist of several certificates, some may have been successfully verified while others are being queried.
The broker may be waiting for the registrar
This is important: the broker may not be the party that can finally approve the remaining shares. The registrar maintains the shareholder records and verifies the certificates.
Why Is My Wema Bank Shares Dematerialization Delayed in Nigeria?
A 10-week delay is longer than what most investors would reasonably expect for a straightforward dematerialization, especially when all documents were submitted correctly. Since you've already contacted Cowrywise, Meristem, and the registrar, the next step is to escalate formally and create a documeRead more
A 10-week delay is longer than what most investors would reasonably expect for a straightforward dematerialization, especially when all documents were submitted correctly. Since you’ve already contacted Cowrywise, Meristem, and the registrar, the next step is to escalate formally and create a documented trail.
What I would do next
1. Demand written confirmation from Meristem
Meristem is the stockbroker handling the dematerialization, so they should be able to provide:
Date the application was submitted to the registrar.
Dematerialization reference number (if any).
Acknowledgement copy or dispatch evidence sent to the registrar.
Current status of the request.
Send an email and insist on a written response rather than phone conversations.
2. Copy all parties in one email
Write a single email addressed to:
Cowrywise
Meristem Securities
Greenwich Registrars & Data Solutions
State:
Shareholder name.
Wema Bank share certificate details.
Date application was submitted.
That 10 weeks have elapsed without resolution.
That the registrar has requested an acknowledgement copy which has not been provided.
Request a response within 5 working days.
3. Escalate to the broker’s compliance unit
If Meristem does not respond satisfactorily, ask specifically for:
Compliance Officer.
Head of Customer Experience.
Managing Director’s office.
A compliance complaint often receives quicker attention than ordinary customer service enquiries.
4. Escalate to the regulator
If another week passes without progress, file a formal complaint with the Nigerian capital market regulator:
sec.gov.ng�
Provide:
Copies of emails.
Share certificate details.
Evidence of submission.
Names of Cowrywise and Meristem representatives contacted.
SEC typically expects capital market operators to respond to investor complaints.
5. Contact Wema Bank Investor Relations
Since these are Wema Bank shares, you can also notify:
wemabank.com�
They may direct the registrar to review the matter or advise on any known issues affecting share transfers.
Possible reasons for the delay
Common causes include:
Signature mismatch.
Name discrepancy between certificate and CSCS account.
Missing registrar acknowledgement.
Backlog at the registrar.
Broker failing to forward documents promptly.
Unresolved shareholder verification issues.
The fact that the registrar asked for an acknowledgement copy suggests they may not have complete visibility of the submission, which is why obtaining proof from Meristem is now critical.
Suggested approach
At this stage, stop going back and forth individually. Send one escalation email to all three parties (Cowrywise, Meristem, and Greenwich) requesting:
Proof of submission.
Current status.
Expected completion date.
If there is no meaningful response within 5–7 working days, escalate directly to
Subject
Escalation: Outstanding Dematerialization of Wema Bank Plc Shares – Request for Immediate Resolution
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally escalate the prolonged delay in the dematerialization of my Wema Bank Plc shares.
My dematerialization application was submitted through Cowrywise, which engaged Meristem Securities as the stockbroker handling the process. As of today, over ten (10) weeks have elapsed since submission, yet I have not received confirmation of completion, a clear status update, or any indication of when the process will be concluded.
During my follow-up efforts, I have been repeatedly referred between Cowrywise and Meristem without receiving a definitive response. I also contacted Greenwich Registrars & Data Solutions directly and was informed that an acknowledgement copy or evidence of submission is required. Unfortunately, despite multiple requests, I have been unable to obtain this document from either Cowrywise or Meristem.
I respectfully request the following:
1. Confirmation of the current status of my dematerialization request.
2. A copy of the acknowledgement, submission receipt, or any evidence showing that my application was forwarded to the registrar.
3. Clarification of any outstanding issues, deficiencies, or discrepancies affecting the process.
4. A definite timeline for completion of the dematerialization.
I believe ten weeks is more than sufficient time for an update or resolution, and the continued lack of clarity is causing significant inconvenience, particularly as I intend to rebalance my investment portfolio and require access to these shares.
Kindly treat this matter as urgent and provide a written response within five (5) working days of receipt of this email.
Should I not receive a satisfactory response within this period, I will be compelled to escalate the matter through the appropriate regulatory channels, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), while providing a full record of my correspondence and follow-up efforts.
I appreciate your prompt attention and look forward to an immediate resolution.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
See less[CSCS Account Number, if applicable]
[CHN Number, if applicable]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
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.