Business
Oscar Onyema under fire, as lawsuit, investment loss, poor earnings trail NGX Group
Oscar Onyema under fire, as lawsuit, investment loss, poor earnings trail NGX Group
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) seems to be falling like a pack of cards under Oscar Onyema, and his 11 years leading the company is being called to question over alleged poor financial management and lack of value creation for shareholders.
For 10 years, Oscar led the Nigerian Stock Exchange between April 2011 to April 2021 as the Chief Executive Officer, however, when the Exchange completed its demutualisation on March 10, 2021, transitioning into the Nigerian Exchange Group, he became the GMD/CEO, a position he has held in the last one year and six months.
The demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange enable the public own shares in the entity that became NGX Group, after the exchange was separated to become a subsidiary.
After directing the affairs of NSE with little scrutiny for over 10 years, Oscar’s handling of the firm as a public entity in less than two years has led to some shareholders asking for the 54-year-old’s head on the chopping block, with axe in hand.
Since March 2021, when the Exchange went public, the board and management haven’t proposed or offered its over 400 shareholders dividends, which means investors that invested in NGX Group haven’t received necessary value for their investment.
However, a year before, the directors of NGX Group awarded themselves over 200.41 million ordinary shares, worth N5.57 billion (when pegged to the open listing price; N27.90kobo per share) as deferred bonus plan (DBP) to keep them in the company for a specified period.
Aside what the shares gifted to themselves at the 2020 Annual General Meeting, they also proposed that the sum of N126 million be approved by shareholders as payment to the Non-Executive Directors of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
All these stock and cash rewards were made despite Onyema and other directors sitting on a poor financial performance in the same year 2020, suffering N93.96 million operating loss. Despite escaping from the grip of loss in FY 2021, with N281.84 million, the management spent 56.07% (N3.23 billion) of its N5.77 billion revenue on about 200 personnel within 12 months last year – but total expenses, N6.51 billion, surpassed the turnover.
Investors losing money and confidence in Onyema-led NGX Group management
With the management’s inability to curb expenses, spending more than it was generating, investors confidence in NGX Group is falling, reason the firm’s share is down to N19.4kobo as at September 2022, far below the N27.9kobo price it began listing with.
This means -30.4% of shareholders investment has been wiped off due to low interest for NGX Group share, which indicates investors in the stock market are snubbing the firm and taking their money to more profitable equities, as they have little or no confidence in the Onyema-led NGX Group.
Comparing NGX Group’s performance with the larger stock market, Ripples Nigeria analysis showed that the company was in fact trading in the opposite direction to the former, maintaining a bearish run of -30.4% decline in share value since it listed on October 15, 2021, in contrast to the 19.3% growth recorded by the Nigerian Stock Exchange within same period.
Investors ignoring NGX Group is understandable, considering the board hasn’t proposed dividend as earlier stated, which is a way shareholders get value for their investment, but instead, the firm is rewarding the directors for slow growth in revenue burdened by expenses.
Despite struggling to cure its expense headache, the management is also trying to add debt burden of N15 billion to its financial issue, a decision that has led some shareholders; Olayinka Olajuwon and Bamidele Ibironke, amongst others, to lawyer up against Onyema and the NGX Group.
Shareholders threaten lawsuit over impending resolutions by NGX management
In a document dated September 14, 2022, obtained by Ripples Nigeria, Olajuwon and Ibironke, representing a class of shareholders of NGX Group, through their solicitors, S.O.&C Legal, demanded that the management halt some resolutions it plans to ask for passage through proxy on September 30, 2022.
Part of the resolutions includes; to raise additional capital of N35 billion, with N15 billion of the amount expected to come from debt, N20 billion from the equity (stock).
The shareholders, through their counsel, are questioning why the management wants to borrow N15 billion when it has unissued shares, from which the sum can be raised. They also argue that NGX Group remains viable, so the loan is unwarranted.
NGX Group’s decision to borrow N15 billion raises eyebrow, as Ripples Nigeria notes that if the company was in dire need of capital, why did the management award itself the 200.41 million ordinary shares, worth N5.57 billion, which is a gift that would be collected in cash at a specified period, and also paid Non-Executive Directors N126 million.
The aggrieved shareholders also stated that the company hasn’t given evidence as to reason for seeking new capital. They also complained of the NGX Group abusing the right of shareholders by imposing proxy on investors to vote on the resolutions, whereas, shareholders are backed by law to make the decisions themselves.
They accuse the management of lying by using COVID-19 measures to defend reason proxy is preferred at the Annual General Meeting, instead of physical presence of shareholders. The solicitor said the COVID-19 measure, which bar gathering, had been lifted by the government.
They threaten to take the case to court if the management of NGX Group doesn’t halt the proposed meeting within seven days, starting from the day the letter was dated – the seven days intimation ended on September 21, 2022.
It described the Notice for resolutions as “ill-advised, fraudulent and fraught with illegalities and amounts to egregious abuse of privilege by the board of directors. The Notice is contrary to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), Investment and Securities Act and other relevant capital market statutes and regulations. Also, the Notice and resolutions are contrary to the Board Charter of the Company:”
The solicitors also said, “TAKE NOTICE that if within 7 (seven) days of your receipt of this letter, we do not receive your formal withdrawal of the said notice, our Clients shall consider themselves to be at liberty to initiate necessary legal steps to seek redress, including injunctive orders to restrain holding of the meeting and/or set aside all illegal acts of the Company. In the event that this is so, this letter shall represent the requisite pre-action protocol. Do be advised accordingly.”
Read what shareholders told Onyema and his team
· Resolution 8(i) and (ii) in particular are contrary to section 142(2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, under which the allotment of any newly issued share in a company is subject to the pre-emptive rights of a shareholder. The section DOES NOT give any power to any board to allot any share otherwise as stated in the section;
· By definition “capital” of a company refers to the total assets of a business or total amount or value of its stock, which in turn is partly a function of a company’s asset worth. It is unthinkable how incurring a debt burden of N15 billion for the company will translate to raising capital for the company that remains a viable, highly regarded entity in the capital market with unissued shares from which to raise capital;
· Section 340 of SEC Regulations provides, among others, that a public company seeking to offer securities by private placement must show evidence of dire need of fresh funds and shall satisfy the Commission that the private placement remains the only viable alternative…” No evidence has yet been put forward to show compliance with this provision;
· It is now public knowledge that directors of the Company recently paid themselves whopping sums of money under the guise of allowances and other perks of office. Evidently, this would not have been so, if the company was in dire need of funds. Meanwhile, no resolution has been proposed to authorise payment of any dividend to shareholders,
· The unissued shares of the company denote availability of shares for purchase for the purpose of raising capital as is the standard case. However, rather than offer the shares for sale, the board of directors seek to cancel the unissued shares and issue new shares to be distributed in breach of section 142(2) of CAMA;
· The right to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead of him and the proxy need not be a member of the company… is a personal right that section 242(4) of CAMA guarantees to a shareholder. Therefore, it is illegal and amounts to violation of that right to attempt to choose or foist any proxy (named or unnamed) on any shareholder. By law, that right belongs fully to the shareholder. It is not shared with the company;
· The claim that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Lagos State Government and Federal Government COVID-1 9 Guidelines are the bases for insisting that shareholders shall only attend by proxy, is palpably false. There is no COVID-19 guideline that justifies insistence on shareholders attending AGM by prox(ies) only, let alone the selected proxies;
· The Company is a PLC. The Guideline issued by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-1 9 on 2nd April 2022, provides in relation to public gatherings that: “Limitation on number of persons attending informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, seminars, end of year events has been lifted”, and
· Even if (which is not admitted) any CAC guideline permits holding a meeting by proxy, whether or not general, by proxy, such guideline is illegal and CANNOT stand in the face of the clear provisions of CAMA. CAC cannot by regulation remove a right conferred by statute.
Business
Group Signs Investment Promotion Agreement in Ivory Coast as UNIPGC Deploys Funding for Capital Projects
Group Signs Investment Promotion Agreement in Ivory Coast as UNIPGC Deploys Funding for Capital Projects
– Ivorycoast, Cot’devouir
Noble & Gold Consulting Ltd has officially signed a partnership agreement with Gicobat Group of Company to facilitate funding for capital projects in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, through the UNIPGC–Global Economic Development Council (GEDC), during a high-level Business and Investment Roundtable held in the country.
The meeting, which took place on May 12, 2026, at the World Trade Centre in Abidjan, brought together senior executives and stakeholders from both organizations, including His Excellency, Amb. Jonathan Ojadah GCOP, Global President of UNIPGC; Mr. Noble Eze, CEO of Noble & Gold Consulting Ltd; and the Chairman of Gicobat Group of Company, Côte d’Ivoire.
The roundtable focused on opportunities for capital project financing, investment promotion, and business development across strategic sectors of the economy. Following extensive deliberations, the parties finalized terms and signed an agreement aimed at advancing the projects discussed during the engagement.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the UNIPGC-GEDC, His Excellency Amb. Jonathan Ojadah, delivered a presentation titled *“How Reputable Brands Can Secure Funding for Capital Projects.”* He stated that the agreement represents a major milestone in supporting high-profile business initiatives that require structured financing and professional project management.
According to him, the partnership aligns with UNIPGC-GEDC’s mandate as a leading investment promotion, advisory, and business development institution operating across Africa and internationally.
> “Today, I am delighted to address this important topic on how leaders of established and reputable brands can secure the capital required for major expansion, technological advancement, or infrastructure development. The objective is not merely to find funding, but to attract the right funding at the most competitive cost of capital,” he stated.
He emphasized that brand reputation remains a critical asset in attracting investors and financial institutions.
> “In business, reputation is everything. In the world of capital-intensive projects, reputation is more than public perception; it is an asset class. A reputable brand represents stability, proven performance, and trustworthiness,” he added.
Amb. Ojadah further noted that successful funding processes begin long before formal investment pitches are made. According to him, investors seek organizations that demonstrate value stewardship, operational excellence, and financial discipline.
Drawing from his international experience in capital project engagements across Egypt, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and other countries, he highlighted several categories of major funding institutions involved in large-scale development financing. These include multilateral development banks, government agencies, private foundations, and impact investors focused on infrastructure, healthcare, real estate, energy, oil and gas, and sustainable development.
Among the institutions he referenced were the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Union (EU), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Mastercard Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the UNIPGC Foundation.
He explained that through the UNIPGC Global Economic Development Council (GEDC), the organization facilitates funding opportunities for startups, private sector operators, and government projects through public-private partnerships (PPP), leveraging its network of international funding partners and financial institutions.
Amb. Ojadah identified three critical indicators commonly assessed by investors and lenders before financing projects:
1. **Transparency and Financial Performance** – Organizations must maintain audited financial records, quality assets, and sustainable growth patterns.
2. **Operational Excellence** – Investors prefer businesses with proven operational systems and stable cash flow generation, which reduce investment risks.
3. **A Strong Project Narrative** – Businesses must clearly demonstrate how proposed projects align with long-term strategic goals such as digital transformation, automation, infrastructure expansion, or increased market competitiveness.
He also outlined key strategies reputable brands can adopt in securing project financing, including bank financing, strategic partnerships, vendor financing arrangements, private equity investments, and asset-based lending structures.
> “Securing capital for projects as a reputable brand is ultimately about combining trust with strategic planning. Reputation is your strongest asset, and when paired with sound financial planning and a compelling vision, it becomes a powerful tool for building the future,” he concluded.
For Gicobat Group of Company, the partnership is expected to accelerate the execution of ongoing and proposed projects by leveraging UNIPGC-GEDC’s network of investors and financial partners. Officials of the company expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly improve project implementation timelines and financing accessibility.
Organizers noted that the choice of the World Trade Centre, Abidjan, as the venue reflected the international scope and significance of the engagement, particularly for negotiations involving capital-intensive projects in infrastructure, trade, and industrial development.
UNIPGC-GEDC describes itself as a leading global investment promotion, advisory, and business development consultancy, working with governments, private enterprises, and institutional investors to structure, finance, and manage large-scale projects from inception to completion.
According to the organization, the Abidjan agreement adds to its expanding portfolio of strategic partnerships aimed at unlocking capital for projects with significant economic and social impact. It also confirmed that due diligence and project structuring processes had been completed prior to the signing to ensure project bankability and investor confidence.
Officials from both organizations further disclosed that implementation teams would be constituted immediately to oversee the next phase of the agreement. Although specific project details were not disclosed, both parties assured stakeholders that updates would be communicated as implementation milestones are achieved.
UNIPGC-GEDC also encouraged businesses, institutions, and investors with high-impact projects requiring financing or management support to engage with its team for collaboration opportunities. Further information on its services is available via UNIPGC-GEDC Official Website www.unipgc.org/gedc
Business
Dennis Ekamah Isn’t Building Houses—He’s Redefining What Home Means for Africans Through PropTech
Dennis Ekamah Isn’t Building Houses—He’s Redefining What Home Means for Africans Through PropTech.
The founder of coHouse.ng is reimagining how millions of Africans access, experience, and share housing through technology.
In Africa’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape, the most transformative companies are no longer defined by the industries they enter, but by the systems they redesign.
For Dennis Ekamah, the opportunity was never about constructing buildings, it was about confronting a deeper question.
why is access to housing still so structurally difficult for millions of Africans in a digital age?
Rather than stepping into real estate as a developer. Dennis chose a different path, positioning coHouse.ng as a PropTech platform rethinking how housing is accessed, experienced, and shared. At the heart of this vision which is connecting potential home owners together via resource pooling for the purpose of either Living or Growth. Simply, *Connect. Live. Grow.*
*A Platform Not a Property Company*
coHouse.ng is not a real estate company. It is a technology-driven ecosystem connecting like-minded individuals into structured communities where they can live intentionally, invest collectively, and grow within a shared system.
From Insight to Recognition
In 2025, coHouse.ng was recognised among the Top 50 Tech Startups in Africa. Even ahead of its official launch, the platform attracted over 1,000 early waitlist users, individuals eager to be part of a new way of living and investing.
Solving for Access, Alignment, and Trust
Dennis Ekamah’s diagnosis goes deeper than supply shortfalls. The real barriers he argues are access, coordination, and trust. coHouse.ng tackles all three through identity verification powered by a third party verification system api. coHouse is not flying solo without the help and collaboration with government bodies across Nigeria and other African countries.
In his words;
“Imagine what you would achieve as an individual or group if you’re living with the right people or like-minded individuals around you.”
I’m not a developer, I’m not a professional realtor, I’m just someone who sees the need for this solution based on the problem we face as youth/young entrepreneurs in today’s housing deficiency across Africa.
— Dennis Ekamah
Join our waitlist by visiting www.cohouse.ng
Landmark Judgment: Federal High Court Dismisses ₦50bn Oil Spill Claim Against ExxonMobil
The Federal High Court sitting in Uyo has dismissed a ₦50 billion lawsuit filed against ExxonMobil, sued as Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, now Seplat Energy Producing, in a ruling analysts say could significantly reshape oil spill litigation and compensation claims in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Delivering judgment on April 29, 2026, Justice Onyetenu held that the suit instituted by the Ejige Ore Njenyisi Muma & Fishing Co-operative Society Ltd was incompetent and liable to dismissal for lack of jurisdiction.
The plaintiffs had sought ₦50 billion in damages over an alleged hydrocarbon spill said to have occurred on September 12, 2021.
However, counsel to the defendant, Chinonso Ekuma of KENNA LP, successfully argued that the claimants failed to disclose any legally recognisable violation attributable to the oil firm.
In its findings, the court held that the plaintiffs failed to establish any actionable wrongdoing against the defendant.
A key element in the court’s decision was the Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) Report tendered by the plaintiffs themselves, which showed that the alleged spill incident was confined within ExxonMobil’s operational facility and did not impact the members of the cooperative society or their sources of livelihood.
The court further ruled that claims arising from such incidents must be pursued strictly under the statutory compensation framework provided in Section 11(5) of the Oil Pipelines Act, rather than through common-law claims founded on negligence or nuisance.
Justice Onyetenu held that the plaintiffs’ attempt to circumvent the statutory regime by framing the suit as a tort action rendered the matter incompetent before the court, thereby depriving it of jurisdiction.
Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces the supremacy of the Oil Pipelines Act in determining compensation procedures relating to oil pipeline incidents and environmental claims in Nigeria.
The ruling is also seen as strengthening the evidential weight of Joint Investigation Visit Reports, particularly in cases where such reports indicate no direct impact on claimants or host communities.
Industry observers believe the judgment will have far-reaching implications for future oil spill litigation, especially regarding the procedural requirements for compensation claims against oil operators.
The court’s decision further provides clarity for operators within Nigeria’s energy sector by reaffirming that compliance with Section 11(5) of the Oil Pipelines Act is mandatory and cannot be sidestepped through alternative legal formulations.
While K.O. Uzuokwu appeared for the plaintiffs, the defence was led by Chinonso Ekuma of KENNA LP on behalf of ExxonMobil.
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