Lagos, Nigeria – October 16, 2025 – In a resounding display of transparency and strategic foresight, FCMB Group Plc, one of Nigeria's most dynamic and forward-thinking financial services conglomerates, hosted a pivotal "Facts Behind the Offer" presentation on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the prestigious Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited in Lagos. This high-profile event drew a distinguished audience comprising capital market operators, seasoned fund managers, astute financial analysts, and a host of key stakeholders from across the investment landscape. The session served as a masterclass in corporate governance, offering attendees an unfiltered deep dive into the Group's robust fundamentals, ambitious growth trajectory, and the ironclad rationale underpinning its ongoing public share offer – a move poised to redefine the bank's position in the global financial arena.
The timing of this presentation could not have been more impeccable. It came hot on the heels of an equally insightful Analyst and Investor Session conducted just four days earlier, on Thursday, October 9, 2025. During that preparatory gathering, FCMB Group's top-tier leadership – led by the visionary Group Chief Executive, Mr. Ladi Balogun – laid bare the organization's stellar performance trends, crystal-clear strategic direction, and unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term value to shareholders. These back-to-back engagements underscore FCMB's proactive approach to stakeholder engagement, ensuring that investors are not just informed but empowered with the knowledge to make savvy decisions in an increasingly volatile market.
At the heart of this buzz is FCMB Group's audacious ₦160 billion public share offer, which was officially launched on October 2, 2025. This capital-raising initiative is no ordinary endeavor; it is a strategic masterstroke designed to propel First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB), the Group's flagship banking subsidiary, into the elite league of internationally licensed financial powerhouses. With the national banking licence already secured, FCMB is now laser-focused on surpassing the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) stringent new capital requirement of ₦500 billion for international banks. The offer structure is elegantly straightforward: 16 billion ordinary shares priced at a nominal ₦10 each, with subscriptions open until the deadline of November 6, 2025. This phase represents the cornerstone of a meticulously orchestrated three-stage recapitalisation programme, each step building on the last to fortify the Group's financial architecture.
To appreciate the magnitude of this offer, one must rewind to 2024, when FCMB executed its first share sale in 16 long years – a resounding ₦147.5 billion raise that shattered expectations. Oversubscribed by an impressive 33%, it drew a staggering 42,800 investors, with a remarkable 92% channeling their participation through seamless digital platforms. This overwhelming success was no fluke; it reflected unshakeable investor confidence in FCMB's value proposition, its innovative digital ecosystem, and its proven track record of resilience amid Nigeria's economic headwinds. Industry analysts, speaking off the record at the NGX event, are unanimous: this momentum will cascade seamlessly into the current ₦160 billion offer, potentially eclipsing the 2024 triumph and cementing FCMB's status as a darling of the capital markets.
Looking ahead, the post-offer roadmap is equally exhilarating. Upon successful closure, FCMB Group will swiftly conclude the divestment of minority stakes in two of its high-performing subsidiaries. The proceeds from these transactions will be channeled directly into bolstering First City Monument Bank's capital base, catapulting the Group's qualifying core capital to a comfortable margin well above the ₦500 billion threshold. This will not only mark the triumphant finale of the three-stage recapitalisation but also unlock the coveted international banking licence from the CBN. In essence, FCMB is not just complying with regulations – it is future-proofing its operations for cross-border expansion, enhanced foreign currency dealings, and a bolder foray into Africa's burgeoning financial frontier.
Mr. Ladi Balogun, the erudite Group Chief Executive whose leadership has been instrumental in FCMB's renaissance, took center stage at the NGX presentation. With charisma and data-driven precision, he articulated how this recapitalisation aligns with the Group's overarching vision: to become a top-tier African financial institution powering economic inclusion. "We are not merely raising capital; we are building a legacy of innovation, inclusivity, and unbreakable trust," Balogun declared, eliciting nods of approval from the packed auditorium. Flanking him were key executives, including Mrs. Yemisi Edun, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument Bank, whose insights on operational efficiencies added tangible depth to the discussions.
Another memorable snapshot featured, from left to right: Mr. Gbolahan Joshua; Mrs. Yemisi Edun; Mr. Ladi Balogun; and Mr. Femi Badeji. Their poised demeanor radiated confidence, mirroring the Group's unyielding optimism.
For eager subscribers, FCMB has democratized access with multiple frictionless channels:
Digital Platforms: Effortlessly via the FCMB Mobile App or Retail/Business Banking Platforms – perfect for the tech-savvy millennial investor.
Websites: Dedicated portals at publicoffer.fcmb.com and invest.ngxgroup.com, loaded with real-time updates and e-subscription tools.
In-Branch: Walk into any of FCMB's widespread branches nationwide for personalized, face-to-face assistance.
Stockbrokers: Engage licensed stockbrokers across the country, or specifically CSL Stockbrokers for streamlined service (dial 02012777628 or email cslservice@fcmb.com / cslcsu@fcmb.com).
This multi-pronged accessibility is no accident; it echoes the 2024 offer's digital dominance, ensuring broad-based participation from retail investors to institutional heavyweights. As Nigeria navigates macroeconomic challenges like inflation and forex volatility, FCMB's recapitalisation stands as a beacon of stability. Analysts project that post-recapitalisation, the bank will amplify lending to SMEs, deepen fintech integrations, and expand its footprint in underserved regions – all while delivering superior returns.
In the words of Mr. Jude Chiemeka, NGX CEO, during his keynote: "FCMB's offer exemplifies the vibrancy of our market. It's a call to action for every Nigerian to own a piece of our financial future." With the subscription window open until November 6, 2025, the clock is ticking. Will you join the 42,800+ who backed FCMB last year? The facts are clear, the strategy sound, and the upside immense. FCMB Group isn't just raising capital – it's igniting Nigeria's economic engine.
