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Nigeria’s capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has announced plans to significantly strengthen enforcement actions in 2026, following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, in a bid to deepen investor confidence and reinforce market integrity.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this while outlining the Commission’s regulatory priorities, noting that the new legislation has expanded the scope of the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement authority.
According to Agama, the SEC will deploy these enhanced powers decisively and impartially to curb market abuses, including insider trading, fraudulent investment schemes and other forms of misconduct across the capital market.
He stressed that all enforcement actions would be anchored on due process and the rule of law, adding that consistent and predictable regulation is essential to sustaining investor trust.
“With the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement framework has been significantly strengthened. In 2026, we will continue to apply these powers firmly and impartially,” Agama said.
He explained that the renewed enforcement drive is part of broader efforts to improve market integrity, efficiency and resilience, noting that effective supervision and uniform application of rules are central to a credible capital market.
Beyond enforcement, Agama said the SEC will pursue greater regulatory efficiency through digitalisation, including faster approvals, automated filings and improved disclosure processes, aimed at reducing regulatory bottlenecks and enhancing transparency.
He added that the Commission plans to introduce enhanced disclosure standards, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, alongside a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries to strengthen financial resilience and risk management practices.
On investor protection, the SEC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to expanding market access while maintaining strong safeguards, particularly for retail investors and small and medium-sized enterprises.
Looking ahead, Agama said the Commission remains focused on supporting Nigeria’s economic transition without compromising market discipline.
“We will regulate not to stifle, but to catalyse. We will enforce not to punish, but to protect and build trust,” he said.
He also disclosed plans to roll out a nationwide financial literacy programme in 2026 to boost investor awareness and reduce exposure to fraudulent investment schemes.
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