Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Share Certificates

You Might Be Sitting on Untapped Wealth Without Even Knowing It

Somewhere in your home or in your late parent’s drawer there’s a piece of paper that might be worth more than you imagine. It’s not just a slip of printed text or an old envelope labelled “shares.” It’s a key to actual money, tied to real companies and profits that may have accumulated silently for years. That piece of paper? Your share certificate.

But Wait, What Is a Share Certificate? A share certificate is a legal document that proves your share ownership in a company. Whether it was given during the privatization era, bought through a stockbroker, or inherited from a relative, it holds more than just sentimental or archival value, it holds financial power. And the moment you ignore it; you start to lose that power.

Why Ignoring Share Certificates is a Costly Mistake Too many people in Nigeria have unknowingly lost dividends, bonuses, and corporate benefits because their share records were not updated—or worse, forgotten. Here’s what happens when you ignore them:

Unclaimed Dividends: Companies issue dividends annually, semi-annually or quarterly. If your bank account is not linked to your shares, your money goes unclaimed—and sits in a growing pool of idle wealth.

Dormant Accounts: If your dividends remain unclaimed for a long period, they become statute-barred and go back to the company

Missed Corporate Actions: Think of bonuses, share reconstruction, or rights issues. These are benefits shareholders are entitled to—but may miss out on it if not well informed.

Inheritance Complications: Families struggle to claim share benefits of deceased relatives when the documentation and updates haven’t been properly managed.