Nigeria’s SEC to Implement Global Sustainability Disclosure Standards

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed plans to adopt the global sustainability disclosure standards developed under the guidance of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).

The announcement was made by SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, at an investors’ roundtable on the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) held over the weekend.

Agama noted that Nigeria, which actively participated in the development of the standards, would take a phased implementation approach rather than applying a blanket rollout.

“This means capacity building, working closely with issuers, auditors, and preparers to ensure readiness; starting with larger listed entities before extending to others; and developing a strong assurance framework to verify disclosures,” he explained.

According to him, the move aims to enhance transparency, strengthen investor confidence, and improve the attractiveness of Nigeria’s capital market.

“The case for adoption is clear: for global comparability, for investor trust, for managing systemic risk, and for reducing complexity. This is no longer a question of if, but of how and when,” Agama emphasized.

He further reaffirmed the SEC’s commitment to collaborating with domestic stakeholders and IOSCO’s global network to ensure effective and smooth adoption of the ISSB standards.