Stratos Trading redeems debut N5bn commercial paper
August 7, 2026 2:16 am
By Jide Ajia
Stratos Trading Limited has redeemed its Series 1 Commercial Paper issuance under its N20bn Commercial Paper Programme, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s financial strength and capital management.
The redemption follows the company’s debut public capital markets transaction, which was issued in two tranches of 180 and 270 days with a total issue size of N5bn.
According to the company, the offer attracted strong investor participation and closed at 115 per cent subscription, marking a significant milestone for a first-time issuer in the Nigerian debt capital market.
The company, in a statement on Thursday, said the redemption demonstrated its ability to meet financial obligations while sustaining operational performance and executing its long-term growth strategy.
Commenting on the redemption, the Chief Executive Officer of Stratos Trading Limited, Francisco Lakanu, said, “The successful redemption of our inaugural Commercial Paper issuance reflects the strength of our business model, the confidence investors have placed in our strategy, and our unwavering commitment to prudent financial management.
“We are grateful for the trust shown by the investment community and remain focused on expanding our operational capabilities, strengthening our infrastructure, and delivering world-class energy trading and bunkering solutions that create sustainable value for our customers, investors, and other stakeholders.”
Also speaking, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Cedrus Group, Olubusayo Adeniyi, noted, “The successful redemption of this issuance demonstrates the discipline expected of a quality issuer and reinforces investor confidence in Stratos’ business fundamentals.
“Transactions such as this reflect what institutional investors increasingly seek, which is strong governance, resilient operations, disciplined financial management, and a clear long-term growth strategy. We are proud to have supported Stratos in achieving this important milestone and remain committed to helping ambitious African businesses access capital markets with confidence.”
The Executive Director of Cedrus Group, Dele Akinjo, added, “This transaction demonstrates the value of strong preparation, sound corporate fundamentals, and effective execution. We are pleased to have advised Stratos on its inaugural Commercial Paper issuance and to witness the successful completion of the transaction cycle. At Cedrus, we remain committed to supporting ambitious African businesses with access to efficient capital solutions that enable sustainable growth.”
Over the past eight years, Stratos has expanded operations beyond bunkering into the trading of petroleum products, including fuel oil, gasoil, naphtha, bitumen and natural gas liquids, serving export markets across West Africa and neighbouring African countries.
The company disclosed that its revenue grew from N2.1bn in 2020 to N22.7bn in its 2024 audited accounts, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose from N584m to N3.2bn over the same period.
It added that it recorded revenue of N38bn and an EBITDA of about N7.6bn in the first half of 2026.
Stratos is also investing in a 25,000 metric-tonne bunker terminal and dedicated jetty within the Lagos Free Zone at the Lekki Deep Sea Port to strengthen marine fuel supply and regional maritime trade.
Cedrus Capital acted as Lead Financial Adviser on the transaction, providing strategic advisory and execution support throughout the issuance process.
Jide, a seasoned journalist with over 12-year experience, reports business-related stories
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