SEC seeks stakeholders’ support to unlock investment opportunities
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, has called on key players in Nigeria’s financial system to work together to unlock the full potential of the
- Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, has called on key players in Nigeria’s financial system to work together to unlock the full potential of the country’s investment space and support sustainable economic development.
Agama made the call while delivering a keynote address at the Emerging Africa Capital Limited Investor Summit and Awards, where he spoke on the theme, “Deploying and Mobilizing Capital and Investment Strategies in a Shifting Global Economy.”
He said recent reforms introduced by the commission to strengthen Nigeria’s capital market were already producing positive outcomes, but added that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help position the country as a major investment destination globally.
Speaking on global economic conditions, Agama noted that uncertainties in the international economy have influenced how investors choose where to put their money. According to him, while some countries may attract investors seeking quick returns, Nigeria offers long-term value due to its vast and largely untapped opportunities.
He said, “Some markets may appear more attractive in the short term, but countries like Nigeria present deeper value over time because of the scale of opportunities that are yet to be fully explored.”
The SEC boss explained that Nigeria’s capital market has remained stable despite economic pressures, adding that ongoing reforms such as the introduction of electronic public offerings, efforts to strengthen the bond market, expansion of alternative investment platforms, and a growing focus on sustainable finance have started attracting renewed investor interest.
According to him, these developments show that the market is evolving, but he admitted that much more needs to be done to fully realise its potential. He pointed out that the size of the capital market compared to the country’s Gross Domestic Product is still below that of similar economies, while participation by retail investors remains low and the derivatives market is still developing.
Agama said turning the market’s potential into real economic benefits requires a joint effort from all stakeholders, noting that regulators alone cannot build a strong capital market.
“The capital market cannot be built by regulators, exchanges or investors alone. Its strength depends on all stakeholders playing their roles with integrity, competence and a long-term view,” he said.
He advised Nigerian companies to make greater use of the capital market to raise funds for growth, stressing the need for better corporate governance, improved transparency and stronger investor relations.
“The market rewards quality, and the companies that invest in quality today will access capital on terms that strengthen their competitive advantage,” he added.
Agama also urged domestic institutional investors, including pension fund administrators and insurance firms, to increase their participation in the market. He encouraged them to engage more actively in pricing financial instruments and build the capacity to invest across different asset classes, describing Nigeria’s savings pool as a critical national asset.
He assured foreign investors and development finance institutions that Nigeria remains open to investment, stating that the SEC is committed to maintaining a transparent and rules-based regulatory environment that aligns with global standards.
The SEC Director-General further called for closer cooperation among regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Debt Management Office, National Insurance Commission, and National Pension Commission, saying coordinated policies would improve investor confidence and strengthen the overall market.
He said the development of strong economies has always depended on how effectively capital is deployed, noting that countries that have achieved economic growth did so by building systems and institutions that channel resources into productive use.
“Nigeria stands at an important point. The global economy is changing in ways that create both risks and opportunities for a country of our size and potential. The decisions we make in the next three to five years will determine whether we take advantage of this moment or miss it,” Agama said.
