By 
Nigeria’s leading capital market regulators and operators are deepening strategic engagement with China in a bid to unlock cross-border investment flows and position Nigeria as a hub for Africa–Asia financial connectivity.
At the forefront of this initiative are the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), whose latest engagements in China reflect an ambitious drive to attract new capital, foster global partnerships, and enhance Nigeria’s integration into the global financial ecosystem.
Their commitment was prominently demonstrated during the China–Africa CEO Dialogue, hosted by Choice International Group in strategic collaboration with NGX Group. The high-level dialogue was held on the sidelines of the 4th China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, where Nigerian capital market leaders engaged with Chinese corporates, regulators, and financial institutions to explore long-term partnerships.
Strengthening Cross-Border Capital Market Collaboration
Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, emphasized the significance of capital market linkages in unlocking new investment corridors between Nigeria and China. He noted ongoing engagement with key Chinese exchanges—including the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange—to create pathways for Chinese companies to raise capital through local instruments such as bonds, equities, and commercial papers.
“Financial flows are often the missing link in many China–Africa engagements. By opening these corridors, we are positioning Nigeria as a cross-border investment hub and aligning with the country’s economic diversification agenda,” said Popoola.
These efforts, he explained, are particularly critical for sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, and the automotive industry, where currency risks and operational costs can be offset through locally sourced financing.
Regulatory Support for a Secure Investment Environment
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the SEC, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly environment. He stressed that the Commission’s role extends beyond setting frameworks—it also includes building trust and guaranteeing recourse for investors.
“Our job is not just to provide the framework, but to assure investors that if they come to Nigeria, they’ll find justice when they need it,” said Agama. “Transparency and credibility are key to building investor confidence. While risk is inherent in every business, our role as regulators is to mitigate those risks and ensure a level playing field.”
Capital Market Diplomacy as a Growth Catalyst
Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, underscored the broader vision underpinning these engagements, describing them as part of NGX Group’s strategy to position Nigeria as Africa’s premier investment gateway.
“At NGX Group, we believe the capital market is pivotal to unlocking Africa’s potential. Our engagement in China reflects our commitment to building bridges with global markets and delivering long-term prosperity for our stakeholders,” he stated.
Kwairanga also highlighted the role of capital markets in facilitating trade, technology transfer, and industrial development, particularly between two of the largest economies in the Global South.
Both NGX Group and the SEC reiterated their commitment to capital market diplomacy—leveraging financial systems as instruments for sustainable economic development. These strategic collaborations, they noted, are essential to reshaping Nigeria’s economic narrative and expanding its global footprint in financial services.
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