Ecobank Nigeria Limited has announced the launch of a tender offer for its outstanding U.S.$300 million, 7.125 per cent Senior Note Participation Notes due 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening its financial position and optimising its balance sheet.
In a statement released to the public, the bank said that $150 million of the notes remain outstanding. The tender offer, which commenced on Friday, 28 November 2025, is expected to close and settle on or before 31 December 2025. Eligible noteholders whose notes are validly tendered and accepted for purchase will receive a cash consideration of $1,000 per $1,000 in principal amount, in addition to accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the settlement date.
The bank explained that the offer is designed to give investors an option to redeem their holdings ahead of the original maturity date of 16 February 2026. According to the statement, this is part of Ecobank Nigeria’s broader funding and capital management strategy, which aims to enhance financial flexibility, optimise debt management, and maintain a well-structured debt profile.
Ecobank Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ade Ayeyemi, emphasised that the tender offer demonstrates the bank’s commitment to prudent financial planning and proactive management of its obligations. “This proposed offer reflects our dedication to liability management and balance sheet optimisation,” he said. “We want to provide our investors and noteholders with flexibility while reinforcing confidence in our financial standing and long-term stability.”
The bank noted that the tender offer is entirely voluntary and at the discretion of noteholders, who are encouraged to make decisions based on their investment strategies and individual financial considerations. The statement added that the offer aligns with Ecobank Nigeria’s ongoing objective to maintain transparent and professional engagement with its funding partners and investors.
Financial analysts said the initiative is a positive step in liability management for the bank, noting that it gives investors an early exit option and can help reduce refinancing risks. “This tender offer allows the bank to optimise its debt profile ahead of maturity, while also giving noteholders the chance to redeem their investments under fair terms,” said Mr. Chukwuemeka Eze, a financial analyst based in Lagos.
Ecobank Nigeria, a member of the Ecobank Group which has operations across Africa, has in recent years focused on strengthening its capital base and diversifying its funding sources. The 2026 Senior Note is one of the bank’s key debt instruments, and its proactive management is seen as critical to sustaining investor confidence in the local and international capital markets.
The bank further explained that the cash payment for tendered notes includes the principal and accrued interest, ensuring that noteholders receive full value for their investments up to the settlement date. The process, the statement said, is aimed at maintaining orderly debt management while supporting the bank’s broader strategy for sustainable growth and financial stability.
Mr. Ayeyemi added that the tender offer is part of a series of strategic initiatives to strengthen Ecobank Nigeria’s funding structure and enhance operational flexibility. “We remain committed to maintaining a transparent and reliable relationship with our investors,” he said. “Our approach is guided by financial prudence and long-term sustainability, which are central to our business strategy.”
The bank urged all noteholders to carefully review the offer documents and participate voluntarily if they choose, while advising investors to seek professional guidance where necessary. This move, experts said, reinforces Ecobank Nigeria’s position as a leading financial institution in the country, capable of managing its liabilities effectively while supporting growth and investor confidence.
Ecobank Nigeria’s tender offer follows similar initiatives by major banks in Nigeria to optimise debt portfolios, manage risks, and strengthen investor relations in a competitive financial environment. The bank’s commitment to transparency and clear communication with stakeholders is expected to encourage continued participation from both local and international investors.
