Can I Generate a New CHN Myself If My Broker’s CHN Is Not Working on Nigerian Investment Platforms?

Short answer: Do NOT generate a new CHN yourself yet. This situation points to a data mismatch or wrong CHN type, not that you need a second CHN.
Let’s break this down properly.
1. What CHN actually is
Your CHN (Clearing House Number) is issued by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) and is tied to your identity (BVN, name, DOB).
You should have only ONE CHN across all brokers in Nigeria
Multiple CHNs = serious issues (dividend delays, fragmented holdings, verification problems)
2. What likely went wrong here
From your description, the broker said it’s a “Chapel Hill number.” That suggests:
The broker (likely Chapel Hill Denham) gave you:
Either an internal account number
Or a CSCS number not properly linked to your BVN
Or a wrongly formatted CHN
And Naija Invest is rejecting it because:
It cannot validate it against CSCS records
Or the CHN doesn’t belong to your BVN/profile
3. What you should do (correct process)
Step 1: Verify directly with CSCS
Do not rely only on the broker.
Contact CSCS or use their investor tools to confirm:
Your real CHN
The exact name & BVN tied to it
If the CHN is invalid → the broker is wrong
If valid but rejected → it’s a linkage issue
Step 2: Go back to the broker with specifics
Tell them clearly:
“Naijainvest cannot validate this CHN”
Ask them to confirm:
Is this a CSCS-issued CHN or just a firm account number?
Is it linked to my BVN?
Request CSCS statement of holdings as proof
If they cannot produce a CSCS statement → red flag
Step 3: Escalate if needed
If the broker insists but cannot resolve:
Escalate to Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria (SEC Nigeria)
Or request a CHN confirmation directly from CSCS
4. When should you generate a new CHN?
Only do this if:
You confirm you DO NOT have any valid CHN already
OR the existing one is irretrievable/unlinked
Then generating via Naijainvest is fine.
5. Why you must avoid creating a second CHN
If you create another one while one already exists:
Your shares may be split across accounts
Dividends may go missing or delayed
You’ll need a CHN consolidation process later (stressful and time-consuming)
Bottom line
This is most likely a broker-side issue or wrong number given
Do NOT create a new CHN yet
Verify with CSCS first → then act