Economy
Five Factors to Consider when Choosing the Right Estate Plan
By Rotimi Obende
The concept of Estate Planning dates to ancient civilizations, when people began to think about how their assets would be distributed after their death.
In ancient Egypt, for example, people would often create a Will, which was a legal document that outlined their wishes for the distribution of their property. They would also designate heirs who would inherit their wealth. This practice highlights the enduring importance of planning for the future.
Securing your future and those of your loved ones is of utmost importance, and you can achieve this by having an Estate Plan.
Knowing and choosing the right Estate Plan can be complicated, as you will need to consider peculiarities and other factors that are specific to you alone. Because of the complex nature of Estate Planning, you will need practical advice and an expert institution to guide you.
This article will explore the following five factors, offer practical examples, and provide valuable insights to assist you in effectively managing the Estate Planning process:
Define Your Goals and Objectives
To commence your Estate Planning process, it is important that you first define your goals and objectives. Think about your assets, consider how you want your wealth distributed, any philanthropic goals you may have, and other specific wishes you want fulfilled. For example, you may want to ensure that a portion of your Estate goes towards supporting education or healthcare initiatives. By clearly defining your goals, you can tailor your Estate Plan to reflect your values and intentions. Seeking assistance from Ruelas Andino Law can provide the expert guidance you need to navigate this process and ensure your plan aligns with your desires.
Seek Professional Advice
Estate Planning can be a complex process that involves legal and financial workings, which is why it is essential that you seek the guidance of an expert. There are a few estate planning institutions that can guide you and help you navigate the legal requirements and tax implications while ensuring that your Estate Plan complies with the current laws and regulations governing the jurisdiction where you reside. At FBNQuest Trustees, we are fortified with a team of experienced professionals that will ensure you choose the most suitable Estate Plan that speaks to your need. Our reliable advisors can assist you in making the right choices that safeguard your assets and ensure seamless transfer to your beneficiaries.
Determining the Right Instrument
With your intentions in mind, `professionals will provide tailor-made advice on the appropriate tools to adopt, which could either be Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. For instance, a Living Trust allows you to manage and distribute your assets during your lifetime for your benefit and that of your loved ones. Even in the event of incapacitation or death, the Trustee must still adhere to the terms outlined in the Trust Deed. A Will, on the other hand, outlines your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship. This, however, only takes effect upon your demise. Understanding these documents will enable you to make informed decisions about their inclusion in your Estate Plan.
Consider Family Dynamics
When planning your Estate, it is crucial to consider your family dynamics. Let’s explore a typical scenario: You have a family-owned business that you wish to pass on to your children. However, you have one child who is actively involved in the business while the other pursued a different career path. In this case, you may want to structure your Estate Plan to ensure a fair distribution of assets, acknowledging the dedication and involvement of the child in the business. One possible solution is to establish a Trust that appoints a child who is skilled and knowledgeable in the business as a director, while the other child takes on a less active role or no role at all. The Trustee can then distribute profits according to the terms of the Trust Deed. By addressing these unique family dynamics, you preserve family harmony and ensure a smooth transition of both the business and other assets.
Regular Review and Updates
It’s crucial to understand that Estate Planning requires continuous attention. As life situations, laws, and financial conditions change over time, it’s essential to regularly review and modify your estate plan. Births, deaths, marriages, divorces, or financial status changes may require adjustments to your plan. It’s important to keep your Estate Plan current and in line with your desires. Regular reviews are a great way to ensure everything stays up-to-date and accurate.
Choosing the right estate plan involves carefully evaluating family dynamics and asset protection goals to ensure future stability. Working with Fort Collins estate planning attorney Karen Brady allows individuals to craft a legally sound strategy that reflects their specific intentions while minimising potential tax burdens for heirs.
By defining your goals, seeking expert advice, considering family dynamics, and fostering open communication, you can create an Estate Plan that reflects your wishes and secures a legacy.
Rotimi Obende is the Head of Private Trust at FBNQuest Trustees
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc has declared the first interim dividend in its history after posting its financial results for the first half of 2026, reflecting robust earnings growth, improved operating efficiency and stronger capital market activity.
The board approved an interim dividend of N1.00 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2026, citing the company’s strong cash generation, resilient balance sheet and confidence in the sustainability of its earnings.
The interim payout represents about 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year, underscoring its strong earnings momentum while preserving financial flexibility to invest in technology, innovation and future growth.
CSCS recorded one of the strongest financial performances in its history during the review period, with total operating income rising by 92 per cent to N18.51 billion from the corresponding period of 2025.
The growth was driven by higher transaction fee income as capital market activity strengthened, continued expansion in depository services, increased collateral management revenues and stronger contributions from data and technology-enabled services. Investment income also improved as the company optimised its investment portfolio.
Despite the sharp rise in revenue, operating expenses increased by only 38 per cent, reflecting disciplined cost management and the scalability of the company’s business model.
As a result, operating profit surged by 186 per cent to N10.11 billion, while profit before tax climbed by 115 per cent to N13.21 billion. Earnings per share also rose significantly to 190.1 kobo from 109.1 kobo in the corresponding period of 2025.
The organisation also recorded improvements in operating efficiency. Its cost-to-income ratio declined to 45.4 per cent from 63.2 per cent a year earlier, while operating profit margin improved to 54.6 per cent from 36.8 per cent.
According to the company, the results demonstrate not only the benefits of stronger market activity but also the resilience of its operating model and its ability to convert revenue growth into higher profitability, improved shareholder returns and sustainable long-term value creation.
Commenting on the interim dividend, the Chairman of CSCS Plc, Mr Temi Popoola, said the board’s decision reflected confidence in the firm’s financial strength, earnings quality and long-term strategic direction.
He said the strong performance was driven not only by increased market activity but also by sustained improvements in operational efficiency, disciplined cost management and the continued diversification of revenue streams.
Mr Popoola noted that the Board remained committed to balancing shareholder returns with investments in technology, innovation, resilience and new growth opportunities that would strengthen CSCS’ position as Nigeria’s leading financial market infrastructure and one of Africa’s foremost post-trade institutions.
The chief executive of CSCS Plc, Mr Shehu Yahaya Shantali, attributed the strong performance to the resilience of the entity’s business model, the dedication of its workforce and the confidence of market participants.
He said the first-ever interim dividend demonstrated the company’s ability to translate strong earnings growth and improved operating efficiency into enhanced shareholder value.
Mr Shantali added that CSCS would continue to strengthen its core market infrastructure, invest in technology and innovation, diversify its revenue base and enhance value creation for stakeholders while supporting the development of Nigeria’s capital market.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The national scale long-term issuer rating of Axxela Limited has been upgraded by GCR Rating to A+(NG), just as its short-term issuer rating was affirmed with a stable outlook.
The rating firm upgraded the long-term issue rating for Axxela Funding 1 Plc’s N16.4 billion series 1 senior unsecured bond to A+(NG), while the N11.5 billion series 1 senior secured bond was lifted to A+(NG)(EL).
GCR noted in a note that the actions reflect the leading gas and power portfolio company’s robust business model, strong earnings performance, and sustained financial profile, reinforcing its ability to deliver long-term value while maintaining financial discipline.
Axxela’s recent achievements have been driven by its continued focus on responsible growth, customer satisfaction, and creating lasting value for national development.
“The ratings upgrade by GCR is a strong endorsement of Axxela’s disciplined approach to business. Beyond recognising our financial strength, it reflects the resilience of our business model and the confidence in our strategic direction.
“Over the past few years, we have continued to make significant strides across the business by expanding our natural gas infrastructure, strengthening our operational footprint, advancing our sustainability agenda, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and safety,” the chief executive of Axxela, Mr Moshood Olajide, commented on the development.
As the company continues to advance its long-term growth strategy, the upgraded ratings reinforce confidence in Axxela’s credit profile, financial resilience, and ability to create enduring value for investors, customers and other stakeholders.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have strengthened their partnership to deploy digital identity technology, aiming to combat illegal mining and enhance security in Nigeria’s mining sector.
Speaking while receiving the Director-General and management of NIMC on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake, described the commission as a critical institution in Nigeria’s development architecture, stressing that effective governance could not be achieved without a credible identity management system.
“NIMC occupies a critical position in translating policy into reality. It is pivotal to the development of any nation because governance today is driven by data, technology and credible identity systems,” he added.
He noted that inadequate identification systems had weakened enforcement efforts over the years, allowing illegal mining activities to flourish in mineral-rich communities.
“Without identification, we cannot trace or track, and insecurity will flourish. In the solid minerals sector, we need effective monitoring of both legal and illegal operations.
“A credible identity ecosystem will strengthen regulation, improve enforcement and support our efforts to sanitise the sector,” Mr Alake said.
The minister identified technology, statistics, data gathering and digital identity as critical enablers for evidence-based policymaking, improved regulatory oversight, efficient licensing, investment promotion and national development.
On her part, the DG of NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, highlighted several opportunities for collaboration between both institutions, noting that the newly enacted NIMC Act has positioned Nigeria to fully embrace a digital governance ecosystem.
She explained that deeper integration of identity management into the solid minerals sector would facilitate database integration across government institutions, enhance regulatory compliance, strengthen security and law enforcement, improve monitoring of operators, and provide stronger support for the implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) in mining host communities.
Mrs Coker-Odusote added that NIMC’s upgraded digital infrastructure is capable of supporting government institutions in building reliable databases, improving transparency and delivering more efficient public services.
Both institutions said they would immediately begin implementing technology-driven initiatives under the partnership, expressing confidence that expanding access to trusted digital identities for miners and other eligible residents would enhance accountability and strengthen governance in the solid minerals sector.
