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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has underscored the critical role of investor education and digital finance in advancing the growth of financial technology and increasing participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
This was highlighted by the Director General of SEC, Emomotimi Agama, during the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week, held in Lagos. The event, organised in collaboration with AFEX Commodities Exchange, brought together key stakeholders from the financial and investment sectors, government bodies, and the media.
Speaking through the Executive Commissioner of Operations, Bola Ajomale, Agama emphasized the importance of equipping Nigerian investors with the knowledge and tools necessary to safely navigate the evolving digital financial landscape.
“With the growing integration of technology in financial services, it is vital that investors are empowered with accurate information to mitigate risks, including scams and unregulated schemes. The future of Nigeria’s capital market is dependent on an educated and engaged investor base,” Agama noted.
He added that SEC is actively working to bring more investors into the capital market, with a particular focus on marginalized groups, such as rural farmers, ensuring they can access financial opportunities that contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ayodeji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of AFEX Commodities Exchange, remarked on how digital finance is transforming public participation in trading, investing, and wealth creation. He affirmed AFEX’s commitment to connecting rural communities and small-scale producers with larger markets, ensuring inclusive participation in the technological evolution of the financial sector.
A notable moment during the event was the launch of a comic book titled Tradevers, designed to foster investor education in a fun and engaging way.
Yomi Ogunleye, co-founder of HerVest, also addressed the financial gender gap, stating, “The gap is significant. At HerVest, we are working to bridge this divide by providing women access to savings and impact investment services. Small women farmers make up 70% of the agricultural sector, but only 10% have access to finance. Through our platform, we have improved the lives of over 50,000 users across rural and urban areas.”
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