SEC Chief Urges Nigerian Capital Market to Power $1 Trillion Economy Vision

At the 28th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Ibadan, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, delivered a rousing appeal to Nigeria’s capital market players, urging them to harness the sector’s full capacity to create a resilient, diversified economy capable of reaching the $1 trillion GDP target.

Speaking under the theme, “Capital Market as a Catalyst for the $1tn Economy”, Agama emphasised the capital market’s dual role—not only as a fundraising platform but as a transformative engine for wealth generation, economic diversification, and infrastructure development. “By effectively channellingresources into productive sectors, the capital market can stimulate industrial growth and drive technological progress,” he said.

Agama highlighted the need to address critical barriers that stymie the market’s potential, such as regulatory complexities, liquidity issues, and investor confidence. He championed the adoption of fintech, blockchain, and digital assets, noting that these innovations could improve transparency and efficiency within the market.

“The success of the $1tn economy vision rests on the collective effort of all financial ecosystem players,” Agama stated, advocating for strengthened collaboration between regulators, market operators, and policymakers to forge a resilient and inclusive capital market.

The SEC DG lauded the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) for its dedication to professional development and knowledge-sharing through the conference, noting that such initiatives are critical for equipping market players with the expertise needed to propel Nigeria’s economy forward. Hosting the conference in Oyo State, a significant economic hub, also drew commendation, with Agama noting the region’s blend of blue-chip industries and rich cultural heritage. He also welcomed the planned factory visits, which offer participants an invaluable, firsthand perspective of key Nigerian industries.

“We at the SEC fully support this conference and its role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s capital market,” Agama affirmed, encouraging active participation from members. “Together, we can unlock the full potential of the Nigerian capital market for sustained economic prosperity.”

Also speaking at the event, CIS President Oluropo Dada highlighted the conference’s thematic relevance to Nigeria’s economic ambitions. He noted that an empowered capital market can mobilise the resources needed to transform ideas into businesses, and small enterprises into industry leaders.

“Achieving a trillion-dollar economy requires a comprehensive exploration of the capital market as a proven growth engine,” Dada said, reiterating that the conference serves as the CIS’s contribution toward realising this national objective. He underscored the role of the capital market in democratisingwealth, allowing individuals, corporations, and government alike to participate in economic growth and investment.

With ambitions for a trillion-dollar economy driving the agenda, this year’s conference seeks to inspire Nigerian capital market players to lead a new era of economic innovation and inclusion.