More calls have gone to the Federal Government on the need to put in place measures to get companies in the telecommunications and oil/gas sectors to list their shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The most recent call came from stockbrokers, under the aegis of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, at a meeting on Wednesday.

According to them, it is not right that the companies, which are operating in the country and making money from Nigerian subscribers, do not give back to the society in terms of allowing investors to have a part in their companies.

The President, CIS, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun, noted that operating licences should not have been given to these companies in the first place without their shares being listed.

He said notwithstanding, the Federal Government could still use the expected renewal of the telecoms licences to get such companies to list their shares, adding that most of these companies’ shares were listed in some other countries, where they also operated.

He said, “These are companies that are very important to the economy. When government gave out licences to telecommunications firms, government made an error by not insisting that they get listed after some time. That is an error that we should not be allowed to repeat itself.

“Many of the telecommunication firms will have to renew their licences soon. We have an opportunity at that point. Even if it is a small per cent of their shares. They should be listed. We also have an opportunity with the energy companies.”

Olushekun also advised the relevant government agencies to ensure that successful firms in the privatisation scheme for Power Holding Company of Nigeria have plans to approach the NSE for listing.

Also speaking at the meeting, Olushekun said that the Sovereign Wealth Fund should be channelled into the Nigerian market as part of measures to tackle the challenges of liquidity.

All these, he added, would boost activities as it would help to attract more investment in the market, adding that it would also deepen the Nigerian capital market.

Meanwhile, in its bid to remain relevant and contribute its quota to the development of the finance and investment industry in the country, the CIS boss said the institute recently buoyed its mandate to continually provide world-class training and internationally recognised professional qualifications for individuals in the industry.

He added that its governing council had recently approved a new programme, tagged, “CIS professional Diploma in Securities and Investment.”

According to him, the new Professional Diploma is a foundation course for those wishing to start or continue their career within the financial service industry.

“With a minimum entry requirement of five credit passes including English Language and Mathematics in ordinary level exams, the new programme indeed has opened the doors of opportunity to millions of aspiring and promising Nigerians looking for the right career opportunity,” he explained.

Source: Punch/Udeme Ekwere