Our late dad bought shares in our names but we can’t find details like the share certificate , cscs statement, dividend warrant, application form for easy reference as demanded from the registrar.
How do I get all this information because we can’t even seee or lay our hands on any of them
You don't necessarily have to find the old share certificate or CSCS statement before you can start tracing the investment. Since your late father bought the shares in your names, first gather every detail you can remember: the names exactly as they appeared when the shares were purchased, approximaRead more
You don’t necessarily have to find the old share certificate or CSCS statement before you can start tracing the investment.
Since your late father bought the shares in your names, first gather every detail you can remember: the names exactly as they appeared when the shares were purchased, approximate year of purchase, companies whose shares were bought, old addresses, phone numbers, bank details, dividend information or any old correspondence.
Then identify the registrar for each company and contact the registrar directly. Registrars keep shareholder records and can advise you on how to retrieve the shareholder/account details and replace missing documents.
You can also contact CSCS to request assistance in tracing the relevant securities records. CSCS states that registrars keep shareholder records and also provides portfolio/transaction-related services.
Because your father is deceased, if the shares are still legally held in his name, you will likely need the appropriate death certificate and probate/Letter of Administration or other estate documents before the holdings can be transmitted to beneficiaries. SEC rules also recognize available evidence such as CSCS statements, share certificates, dividend warrants or bank statements showing dividends as evidence of ownership.
So don’t give up because the old papers are missing. Start with the names of the shareholders and the companies involved, then work backward through the registrars/CSCS to reconstruct the records.
See lessI’m sorry for your loss. This happens a lot in Nigeria — shares were bought in children’s names years ago and no one can find the certificates. Good news: *You don’t need the physical certificate or CSCS statement to claim them*. The registrar keeps all records electronically. You just need to proveRead more
I’m sorry for your loss. This happens a lot in Nigeria — shares were bought in children’s names years ago and no one can find the certificates.
Good news: *You don’t need the physical certificate or CSCS statement to claim them*. The registrar keeps all records electronically. You just need to prove ownership and identity.
Here’s exactly how to recover them:
### *Step 1: What the Registrar Actually Needs From You*
Since you don’t have any documents, you’ll replace them with legal proof. For shares in a minor/child’s name, registrars require:
1. *Death Certificate* of your dad – original + photocopy
2. *Letter of Administration / Probate* from Probate Registry – This is key. It must list you as administrator AND list you/the siblings as beneficiaries of the shares. If shares were bought in your names, you’re already the owner but dad was the signatory
3. *Affidavit of Next of Kin* from High Court – States that you are the children and rightful owners
4. *Your IDs* – National ID, Driver’s License or Passport + BVN + NIN for each person whose name the shares are in
5. *2 Passport photos* each
6. *Newspaper publication* – 2 national dailies announcing the death and claim
7. *Indemnity Form* – The registrar will give you this. It says “if the certificate shows up later, we take responsibility”
### *Step 2: How to Find the Shares Without Certificate/CSCS*
You don’t know company or registrar. Do this:
1. *SEC e-Dividend Portal Search*
Go to `www.sec.gov.ng` → `e-Dividend` → `Search`.
Search using each child’s *Full Name + BVN + Date of Birth*.
It will show all companies where that name/BVN has shares + the Registrar’s name
2. *Contact the 3 Big Registrars for a “Shareholding Search”*
Email them with Dad’s name + Children’s names + DOB. They will search their database.
– *Africa Prudential*: `info@africaprudential.com`
– *First Registrars*: `enquiry@firstregistrarsnigeria.com`
– *Meristem Registrars*: `info@meristemregistrars.com`
3. *Check old bank accounts*: If your dad ever received dividends, the bank alert or old cheque will show company name + registrar
### *Step 3: The Process Called “Transmission + Replacement of Documents”*
Once you find which company/registrar:
1. *Go to the Registrar* with all documents from Step 1
2. *Fill 2 forms*:
– `Transmission Form` – to move shares from deceased signatory to you
– `Request for Duplicate Certificate/Statement` – since original is lost
3. *Open CSCS account* in each child’s name if you don’t have. The shares will be dematerialized and sent there
4. *Mandate your bank account* for e-dividend so future dividends come directly
Processing: 6-12 weeks. There’s a fee for affidavit + indemnity + registrar admin fee. Usually ₦5K-₦20K per company.
### *Step 4: If There Was No Will*
Because your dad bought shares in YOUR names, you are already the legal owners. The Letter of Administration just removes him as the signatory/guardian.
If the shares were in HIS name for you, then Probate must state “for the benefit of his children”.
### *Key Tips*
1. *Start with SEC portal + BVN* – This finds 80% of shares in 5 minutes
2. *Don’t pay anyone “to fast-track”* – Only pay official registrar fees to their company account
3. *One letter can cover multiple companies* if same registrar. Group them
4. *Minors*: If any child is still <18, a parent/guardian must sign for them
### *Quick Action Plan for You*
See less1. Get Death Certificate + Start Letter of Administration at High Court
2. Today: Search SEC e-Dividend with each child’s Name + BVN
3. Email the 3 registrars with the names for a search
4. Once you get response, go to that registrar with all documents
Also, do you have your dad’s BVN or Bank account number? That makes the SEC search 10x faster.
Mama Ngozi understands how important it is to find the lost details of the shares your late dad bought in your names. It's like searching for that last ripe tomato at the bottom of a big basket; it's challenging, but not impossible!To get all the information you need, you can start by contacting theRead more
Mama Ngozi understands how important it is to find the lost details of the shares your late dad bought in your names. It’s like searching for that last ripe tomato at the bottom of a big basket; it’s challenging, but not impossible!
To get all the information you need, you can start by contacting the company registrar. Think of the registrar like the head of the village who keeps all the important records. They will help you track down the share certificate, CSCS statement, dividend warrant, and any other relevant documents.
You should reach out to the registrar of the company where your dad bought the shares. Tell them about your situation and provide any details you have, like your dad’s name, the company’s name, and any other information you think might help. They will guide you on the steps to take to retrieve the missing documents.
Remember, just like in the village, communication is key. Keep in touch with the registrar regularly to ensure they are working on your request. Patience is a virtue, and with determination, you will find the missing details and have everything you need for easy reference.
Stay positive like Mama Ngozi during a bumper tomato harvest season. With persistence and the right approach, you will soon have those lost details in your hands, just like finding that shiny ripe tomato at the top of the basket!
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