The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Emomotimi Agama, has urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial sector to work together to unlock the country’s full investment potential and drive sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the Emerging Africa Capital Limited Investor Summit and Awards, Agama noted that while recent reforms by the commission have begun to yield positive results, stronger collaboration across the financial system is needed to position Nigeria as a leading global investment destination.
He explained that global economic uncertainty is shaping how investors allocate funds, with many seeking quick returns in some markets. However, he stressed that Nigeria offers deeper long-term value due to its vast and largely untapped opportunities.
According to him, Nigeria’s capital market has remained relatively stable despite economic challenges. He highlighted key reforms such as electronic public offerings, efforts to strengthen the bond market, expansion of alternative investment platforms, and a growing focus on sustainable finance as signs of progress attracting renewed investor interest.
Despite these gains, Agama admitted that the market still has significant room for growth. He pointed out that its size relative to the country’s Gross Domestic Product remains small compared to similar economies, while participation by retail investors is still low and the derivatives market is yet to fully mature.
He emphasised that building a strong capital market requires collective effort, noting that regulators alone cannot drive the needed transformation.
“The strength of the capital market depends on all stakeholders playing their roles with integrity, competence, and a long-term vision,” he said.
Agama also encouraged Nigerian companies to take greater advantage of the capital market to raise funds for expansion, stressing the importance of transparency, sound corporate governance, and strong investor relations.
He further urged institutional investors, including pension fund administrators and insurance firms, to increase their involvement in the market and explore investment opportunities across different asset classes, describing Nigeria’s savings pool as a valuable national resource.
Reassuring foreign investors, Agama stated that Nigeria remains open for business, adding that the commission is committed to maintaining a transparent and rules-based regulatory environment in line with global standards.
He also called for closer coordination among key regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, Debt Management Office, National Insurance Commission, and National Pension Commission, noting that aligned policies would boost investor confidence and strengthen the financial system.
Agama concluded by stressing that Nigeria is at a critical point, and the decisions made in the coming years will determine whether the country fully harnesses emerging opportunities in the evolving global economy.
