The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged Nigerians to seize the numerous investment opportunities available within the capital market as a vital route to securing both individual and national economic autonomy.
In a message commemorating Independence Day, SEC’s Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, emphasized the Nigerian capital market’s role as “a fundamental driver of economic empowerment.”
He stressed that genuine independence transcends political freedom, encompassing financial self-sufficiency for every Nigerian.
“Achieving financial independence is key to personal dignity and overall prosperity,”
“The capital market offers a unique avenue for citizens to convert their savings into investments that safeguard their future,” Dr. Agama remarked.
Capital Market: A Catalyst for Economic Inclusion
Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the capital market is being transformed into “a shared space of wealth creation accessible to all Nigerians,” rather than a domain reserved for a select few, according to Dr. Agama.
He outlined key reforms underway to broaden market participation and enhance investor trust, including:
- Transitioning to electronic shareholding to streamline investment access.
- Encouraging greater involvement from retail investors through inclusive policies.
- Launching new investment products and fostering partnerships with financial technology firms.
- Accelerating the approval process for securities to promote wider financial inclusion.
- Advancing financial education and adopting global standards in fund valuation and corporate governance.
- Ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent schemes that exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.
Foundations for Financial Empowerment
“These initiatives represent more than regulatory changes; they lay the groundwork for a financial democracy,” Dr. Agama explained.
“From the government worker in Makurdi to the startup founder in Yaba, the agriculturalist in Kano, and the fisherfolk in Yenagoa, every Nigerian now has the opportunity to own a piece of the nation’s economic future.”
He further noted that purchasing shares grants citizens partial ownership in Nigerian enterprises, while investing in bonds supports critical infrastructure development that propels the country forward.
“This embodies a modern form of patriotism,” the SEC chief added.
Promoting Financial Knowledge and Sustainable Investment Practices
Dr. Agama encouraged Nigerians to enhance their financial literacy, cultivate disciplined investment routines, and adopt a long-term perspective to build enduring wealth and contribute to the nation’s economic progress.
“As we mark 65 years of independence, let us harness this powerful mechanism for wealth generation.
“Our economic advancement must be reflected in the financial empowerment of every citizen,” he concluded.
The SEC remains committed to implementing policies that boost investor confidence, democratize wealth accumulation, and foster economic resilience through active engagement in Nigeria’s capital market.
Important Updates to Note
- Recently, the SEC issued a warning about the surge in scams leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.
- According to the commission, AI-generated deepfake videos featuring politicians, celebrities, and media personalities are being circulated extensively via Facebook ads, Instagram reels, and Telegram channels.
- In a statement released on Sunday, the SEC highlighted that fraudsters are exploiting AI to fabricate convincing endorsements, deceiving investors with false promises of guaranteed returns.
To address these emerging threats, the SEC has deployed an advanced monitoring system capable of identifying fraudulent activities in real time.