The Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) recognized significant achievements in the investment banking sector during its annual Investment Banking Awards Dinner in Lagos. AIHN President Kemi Awodein highlighted the industry’s role in facilitating high-value transactions in 2023, including Heineken’s $24 billion acquisition of Nigerian Breweries and Sahara Group’s $1 billion purchase of Egbin Power. She praised the sector’s resilience amid economic challenges, with notable deals such as Seplat Energy’s $650 million bond issuance and Airtel Africa’s $500 million capital raise driving growth.
Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited and Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited emerged as top winners, clinching awards across categories such as debt issuance, corporate bonds, equity deals, and mergers and acquisitions. Leaders from both firms emphasized their client-focused approaches and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving success. The event celebrated not only the bankers’ contributions but also their ability to navigate challenges and drive impactful transactions that strengthened Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Looking ahead, stakeholders expressed optimism for 2025, envisioning an even more robust year aligned with the government’s $1 trillion economy vision. Experts underscored the need for continued focus on transparency and investor education to mitigate risks and enhance sectoral growth. The AIHN awards, described as a testament to the hard work of investment professionals, aim to inspire greater innovation and excellence in the industry.
