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The Securities and Exchange Commission has signalled a tougher regulatory stance in 2026, announcing plans to significantly ramp up enforcement of capital market rules following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, made this known while outlining the Commission’s regulatory agenda, noting that the new law has considerably expanded its supervisory and enforcement powers.
According to Agama, the Commission will deploy these powers “firmly and impartially” to tackle market abuse, insider trading, fraudulent investment schemes, and other misconduct that undermine market integrity.
He emphasised that all enforcement actions would be anchored on due process and the rule of law, stressing that consistency and predictability in regulation are essential to sustaining investor confidence.
“With the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement framework has been strengthened. In 2026, the Commission will continue to apply these powers firmly and impartially,” Agama said.
He explained that the intensified enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts to enhance market integrity, efficiency, and resilience, noting that effective supervision and consistent rule application are critical to a credible capital market.
Beyond enforcement, Agama said the SEC would push ahead with regulatory digitalisation, introducing streamlined approvals, automated filings, and improved disclosure processes to boost efficiency and transparency.
“These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary frictions, improve regulatory responsiveness, and enhance transparency across the market,” he said.
The Director-General also disclosed plans to roll out enhanced disclosure standards, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, as well as a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries to strengthen financial resilience and risk management.
On investor protection, Agama 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, he said the SEC would continue to support Nigeria’s economic transition while upholding market discipline.
“We will regulate not to stifle, but to catalyse. We will enforce not to punish, but to protect and build trust,” Agama said.
He added that the Commission plans to launch a nationwide financial literacy programme in 2026 to improve investor awareness and reduce exposure to fraudulent investment schemes.
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