Nigeria: SEC Urges Stockbrokers to Leverage Capital Market for $1 Trillion Economy

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has called on stockbrokers and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s capital market to harness its full potential in building a prosperous and sustainable economy.

At the 28th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Agama highlighted the critical role the capital market plays in driving economic diversification, industrial growth, and technological advancement.

In a statement by the SEC, Dr. Agama emphasized that Nigeria’s capital market is more than just a platform for raising capital—it is a key engine for wealth creation and infrastructure development. He explained that by channeling resources into productive sectors, the capital market can play a pivotal role in the nation’s push toward achieving a $1 trillion economy.

Themed “Capital Market as a Catalyst for the $1.0 Trillion Economy,” the conference gathered stockbrokers and financial experts who discussed strategies to elevate the market’s role in fostering economic growth.

Dr. Agama stressed the importance of reviewing investment strategies, improving market liquidity, enhancing investor confidence, and embracing technological innovations such as fintech and blockchain to boost efficiency and transparency in the market. He noted, “This conference provides an opportunity to identify and address key barriers that have hindered optimal capital market performance, such as regulatory challenges, market liquidity, and investor confidence. Technological innovations like fintech, blockchain, and digital assets are essential for increasing market efficiency.”

The SEC DG also underlined the need for greater collaboration between regulators, market operators, and policymakers to meet the government’s $1 trillion economic target. “The success of the $1 trillion economy vision largely depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the financial ecosystem,” he stated, adding that fostering collaboration would lead to a more resilient and inclusive market.

Dr. Agama commended the CIS for its commitment to professional development, noting that the conference empowers market participants with the knowledge to drive Nigeria’s economic progress. He also praised the conference’s location in Oyo State, recognizing it as a significant hub for major Nigerian corporations and a region with a rich cultural heritage.

The conference featured both panel discussions and factory visits, providing brokers and stakeholders with valuable insights into the operations of leading companies. Dr. Agama welcomed this initiative, noting that it would deepen industry engagement and understanding.

In his address, Mr. Oluropo Dada, President of CIS and Chairman of its Governing Council, emphasized the capital market’s vital role in helping the Federal Government achieve its $1 trillion economic goal. He stated that the theme of the conference aligns with this vision and highlighted how the market can empower entrepreneurs and support the growth of small businesses into larger corporations.

“The capital market democratizes assets, enabling wealth creation and distribution. It offers opportunities for individuals, corporates, and governments to invest and save for the future,” said Dada. He added that the experiences of developed nations demonstrate that a robust capital market is crucial for sustainable economic growth and wealth generation.