News Agency of Nigeria
SEC advises stakeholders to harness ISA 2025 for capital market expansion 

SEC advises stakeholders to harness ISA 2025 for capital market expansion 

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By Taiye Olayemi

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has advised stakeholders to fully harness the potential of the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act, 2025 (ISA 2025).

Dr Emomotimi Agama, the Director-General of SEC, said this was to drive business growth and expand Nigeria’s capital market.

Agama, who was represented by Mr Habib Abubakar, Head of Department, Market Development Department, SEC, gave the advice at a stakeholder forum on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the forum is, “Unlocking Capital Market Opportunities for Business Growth and Development”.

The forum was organised by SEC in collaboration with the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Agama said the gathering provided an opportunity to tackle existing challenges and ensure that businesses, investors and the wider economy benefit from the reforms introduced by the new law.

He outlined three key pillars for maximising the impact of ISA 2025, beginning with enhancing market accessibility and inclusivity.

He explained that the Act’s simplified registration and listing processes would make it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to raise affordable, long-term capital.

He noted that leveraging technology, especially with ISA 2025’s recognition of digital assets, would democratise investment opportunities and reach underserved groups, while strengthened investor protection would help build trust and boost participation.

The second pillar, he said, was promoting innovation and diversification by expanding product offerings such as sustainability-linked bonds, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and private equity funds, all enabled by the Act’s provisions.

He added that the new law would facilitate responsible fintech and digital asset innovation, and encourage targeted financing for key sectors like agriculture, infrastructure and renewable energy.

Agama identified strengthening collaboration and advocacy as the third pillar, while calling for stronger public-private partnerships to raise awareness about ISA 2025.

He said this would ensure harmonisation of regulatory policies to build a cohesive market, and ongoing stakeholder engagements to align the Act’s provisions with market realities.

“Unlocking these opportunities requires the active participation of everyone,” he said.

He urged businesses to adopt capital market instruments for expansion.

He advised investors to explore the diverse options available, urging stakeholders to promote financial literacy so more Nigerians can participate.

He emphasised that the capital market is not just a funding platform but a strategic driver for national development.

Agama commended LCCI for its valuable partnership and appreciated sponsors, Trovotech and HXAfrica, for supporting efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s capital market.

He urged participants to leave the forum inspired, informed and ready to translate ideas into concrete action for the growth of businesses and the wider economy.

In another session, Lagos Zonal Office Head, Mr John Briggs, discussed “Navigating the Capital Market: Understanding the Regulatory Framework and Opportunities for Business”.

Briggs explained the business opportunities available within the Capital Market, the regulatory framework of ISA 2025 as well as the regulatory initiatives and innovations for businesses.

He hinted that the National Pension Commission (PenCom) had been introduced to the board of SEC, which would translate to improved investment by Pension Fund Administrators at the Capital Market.

He highlighted the need to repeal outdated provisions in the Trustee Investment Act, specifically within the ISA 2025, and urged the government to take action. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

2025 AMEDA: SEC urges financial market transformation drive in Africa, Middle-East

2025 AMEDA: SEC urges financial market transformation drive in Africa, Middle-East

393 total views today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Taiye Olayemi

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called for joint efforts to drive transformational financial markets across Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

 

Dr Emomotimi Agama, SEC Director-General, made this call at the 2025 Africa and Middle East Depositories Association Conference (AMEDA 2025) in Lagos on Thursday.

 

 

 

The conference, hosted by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), is with the theme ‘Shaping the Future: Financial Markets and Infrastructures as Catalysts for Transforming Economies’.

 

 

 

Agama, represented by Mr Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner, Operations at SEC, said embracing transformational finance is key to staying globally competitive.

 

 

 

He noted this would help build robust capital markets, enhance financial inclusion, and foster regional economic growth and development.

 

 

 

“As regulators and innovators, we must ensure our financial markets grow in a transformational, inclusive, and sustainable way,” he said.

 

 

 

He added that transformational finance deepens inclusion, attracts capital for infrastructure and climate growth, and builds trust across the region.

 

 

 

“The Africa and Middle East regions, though historically underrepresented, are gaining significant momentum,” he said.

 

 

 

He described the regions as emerging frontiers of innovation and growth, with collaboration essential to global financial relevance.

 

 

 

Agama urged that all market infrastructures must be digitally advanced, resilient, and ready for the future.

 

 

 

He highlighted SEC’s digital transformation journey, including real-time market surveillance systems and expanded investor data platforms.

 

 

 

According to him, these efforts aim to support innovation and enable credible alternative asset classes in the market.

 

 

 

Speaking also, Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, CSCS Chief Executive Officer, encouraged delegates to drive market transformation in the region.

 

 

 

Jalo-Waziri, also AMEDA Chairman, stressed the need amid digital disruption, demographic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and climate change.

 

 

 

“We must redefine financial markets and their infrastructure as proactive drivers of economic realities,” he said.

 

 

 

He called for resilient markets, inclusive access, sustainable investments, and regional integration across Africa and the Middle East.

 

 

 

Jalo-Waziri urged the audience to reflect deeply on the future of financial market infrastructure.

 

 

 

“How do we create institutions and partnerships that shape future opportunities, not just meet current challenges?” he asked.

 

 

 

He said achieving Nigeria’s proposed $1 trillion economy requires a more inclusive and sophisticated capital market.

 

 

 

Jalo-Waziri, “At CSCS, we’re investing in resilient infrastructure and partnering with innovators to support this journey.

 

 

 

“How do we sustainably expand access to markets for the underserved and unbanked?

 

 

 

“How can infrastructure truly catalyse economic growth and development across our economies?

 

 

 

“How do we build integrated markets across the region to enhance capital flows and attract global investors?”

 

 

 

He stressed that these questions are vital as Nigeria aims to reach a $1 trillion economy.

 

 

 

Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, emphasised regional cooperation to build financial infrastructure.

 

 

 

He urged AMEDA members to pool resources, share best practices, and leverage regional strengths.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised CSCS for driving innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s capital market.

 

 

 

He lauded CSCS’s leadership in AMEDA and its role in shaping regional financial best practices.

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu noted financial markets are powerful engines for economic transformation through resource mobilisation and entrepreneurship.

 

 

 

He stressed the importance of strong infrastructure — both physical and digital — for enabling economic progress.

 

 

 

The governor said Lagos is committed to infrastructure development, with the 2025 budget prioritising inclusive capital projects.

 

 

 

“Lagos is honoured to host this conference focused on finance and infrastructure as keys to growth,” he said.

 

 

 

He added that the event provides a platform to form partnerships, share knowledge, and chart a bold future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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