By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Globally, infrastructure contributes and facilitates the provision of essential services that support economic growth, enable productivity and underpin the smooth operation of a n economy.
Over the years, there has been a growing need for governmental bodies and private sector to acquire, maintain, modernise, expand and develop infrastructure facilities essential to ensuring continued growth in economic activity.
Commendably, Viathan Funding Plc has indubitably set the pace for the development of Nigeria’s infrastructure sectors via the Nigerian debt capital market (DCM), having successfully raised a N10 billion Series 1 10-year 16 percent Senior Guaranteed Fixed Rate Bond (the Viathan Bond), under its ₦50 billion Bond Issuance Programme.
As part of its quest to unlock capital for infrastructural and economic development in Nigeria, FMDQ, through the debt capital markets has again demonstrated its commitment by providing due diligence and availing its credible and efficient platform for the listing and trading of the Viathan bond, making this the first-ever infrastructure bond to be issued in the Nigerian debt capital market and listed on FMDQ.
The bond, which is backed by the irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited (InfraCredit), aims to enable investors access infrastructure as an asset class, while providing the benefit of predictable returns available from long-dated infrastructure debt investments.
The bond proceeds would be utilised by the Viathan Group to expand its power generation capacity by 7.50 megawatts, construct a compressed natural gas plant and refinance short-term bank debts.
A prestigious and unique listing ceremony, in honour of the issuer, to commemorate this significant milestone, will be hosted on FMDQ.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya