By Favour Pius
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, has unveiled a five-point strategic reform agenda aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s capital market for growth, transparency, and global competitiveness.
Agama said the “Five Strategic Pillars” would serve as a roadmap for strengthening regulatory efficiency, deepening market participation, and enhancing investor protection across the capital market ecosystem.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement session in Abuja, he noted that the reform agenda is designed to align Nigeria’s capital market with international best practices, while addressing longstanding structural and operational challenges.
According to him, the pillars focus on enhancing market integrity and transparency, improving regulatory frameworks, driving innovation and digital transformation, promoting investor education and inclusion, and strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders.
He explained that restoring investor confidence remains central to the Commission’s priorities, stressing that effective regulation and enforcement are critical to building a resilient and trustworthy market.
“The Commission is committed to implementing reforms that will not only protect investors but also create a more efficient and transparent market that supports economic growth,” Agama said.
He added that the SEC would leverage technology to improve surveillance, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery, noting that digital innovation is key to expanding access to the capital market.
Stakeholders at the event welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention capable of unlocking new opportunities and attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
A capital market analyst, Johnson Chukwu, said the reform agenda could significantly deepen the market if effectively implemented.
“The focus on transparency, innovation, and investor protection is critical. If these pillars are executed consistently, they will strengthen confidence and improve market participation,” he said.
Market operators also emphasised the importance of policy consistency and enforcement, noting that reforms must be sustained to achieve long-term impact.
Agama further assured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to engaging industry players, regulators, and investors in implementing the reforms, adding that collaboration would be key to achieving the desired outcomes.
The SEC’s reform agenda comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its capital market as a viable source of long-term financing for infrastructure, businesses, and economic development.
