SEC Urges Nigerians to Leverage Capital Market for Financial Independence
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has encouraged Nigerians to seize opportunities in the capital market as a pathway to both personal and national financial independence.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, described the capital market as a vital engine of economic empowerment and sustainable prosperity.
Agama noted that independence should not be viewed only in political terms, but also in the ability of citizens to attain financial security.
According to him, financial self-reliance remains central to dignity and shared prosperity, and the capital market offers citizens a viable channel to convert savings into productive investments.
He explained that under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, deliberate reforms have been implemented to reposition the capital market as a “public square of prosperity” that is open to all Nigerians rather than an exclusive domain for a privileged few.
Highlighting some of the reforms, Agama listed the dematerialisation of shares, enhanced retail investor participation, the creation of new asset classes, and the promotion of FinTech partnerships.
He added that measures such as reduced processing timelines for securities, adoption of global best practices in fund valuation, and improved corporate governance are also part of ongoing initiatives to democratise wealth creation.
He further stressed the Commission’s continued campaign against Ponzi schemes, describing them as a major threat to investor confidence and financial inclusion.
“These reforms are not merely administrative changes; they represent the foundation of a financial democracy,” Agama said. “From the civil servant in Makurdi to the tech entrepreneur in Yaba, the farmer in Kano, and the fisherman in Yenagoa, every Nigerian can now hold a stake in our economic future.”
Agama urged citizens to embrace financial literacy, adopt long-term investment strategies, and view consistent participation in the market as a patriotic duty.
He maintained that widespread involvement in the capital market would strengthen individual financial security while accelerating the nation’s development.
“As we celebrate 65 years of nationhood, we must recognise that the growth of our economy should reflect the growth of our people’s financial independence,” he said.
