Establishment of Shareholders Associations: In order to encourage
public participation in the ownership of public corporations, and to
ensure that Nigerians have representation and a voice in the running of
the affairs of firms in which they invested, government facilitated the
establishment of many shareholders associations. Initially, the
associations were funded from interests earned on deposits of shares
pending allotment but now, they are funded by the Nigerian Stock
Exchange through a per capita levy placed on quoted companies. These
levies are determined by the SEC and NSE based on the number of
shareholders in each company.
Presently, a number of independent shareholders associations have emerged
as a function of location and focus, and have registered with the CAC. This
shows that Nigerian investors are no longer interested in the economic values
of their shares only, but also in the right which share ownership gives them to
influence corporate strategy and management.
5.4.2 The increase in shareholders activism and the increased number of vocal
shareholders associations are testimonies of the Companies and Allied
Matters Act (CAMA) 2004 provisions in the encouragement and protection of
shareholders’ interests. The shareholders’ associations have been active in
educating and enlightening their members on their rights and responsibilities,
promoting solidarity among shareholders, and stimulating interest in the
activities of their companies. Numerous court cases have been initiated by
shareholders as a result of discontent arising from actions of Board of
Directors.
5.4.3 CAMA also protects minority shareholders from oppressive conduct of a
majority shareholder. Generally, voting in Nigerian corporations is governed
by simple majority decisions and shareholders, in general meetings, can
overrule the directors and dismiss errant or non-performing directors. The
governing document of all companies in Nigeria, the Articles of Association,
65