The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has urged stockbrokers and other capital market stakeholders in Nigeria to fully leverage the country’s financial markets to drive economic growth and diversification.
Speaking at the 28th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Agama emphasized the pivotal role of Nigeria’s capital market in achieving a prosperous and sustainable economy.
In his keynote address, Dr. Agama highlighted that the capital market is much more than a platform for raising funds—it is a critical engine for wealth creation, industrial growth, and infrastructure development.
“The capital market is a vital tool for driving economic diversification and technological innovation. It holds the potential to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by channeling resources into productive sectors,” he said.
Dr. Agama’s remarks came during the conference, which had the theme: “Capital Market as a Catalyst for the $1.0 Trillion Economy.”
The event brought together stockbrokers, financial experts, and industry leaders to discuss the strategies and opportunities for enhancing the role of the capital market in supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation.
It was a moment to explore how the market can help raise capital for sectors critical to industrialization and job creation, thus contributing to broader economic development.
The SEC DG pointed out that Nigeria’s capital market has already proven itself as a robust platform for capital raising, but its full potential remains untapped. He stressed the importance of strategic investments in key sectors, such as technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, which would create jobs and increase productivity. He also reiterated that the market’s ability to drive economic growth lies in its capacity to direct funds into these high-impact sectors.
“Through the capital market, we can attract long-term investment, promote financial inclusion, and create opportunities for local businesses to thrive,” Dr. Agama added. He called for more collaboration among market players, regulators, and government agencies to deepen financial literacy and improve the overall investment climate.
Dr. Agama also commended the CIS for its ongoing efforts to promote professional development and enhance the skills of market practitioners. He acknowledged that the conference’s platform equips stockbrokers with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate Nigeria’s evolving capital market landscape and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic progress.
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, which represents professionals in the capital market, plays a key role in strengthening Nigeria’s financial sector. By promoting ethical standards and advancing the education of stockbrokers, CIS is positioned as a critical partner in driving the growth and integrity of Nigeria’s financial markets.
With the Nigerian government targeting a $1 trillion economy, the capital market has been identified as an essential part of the nation’s economic blueprint. As the country moves towards this ambitious goal, the role of stockbrokers and market professionals will be crucial in ensuring that capital flows to sectors that can drive sustained economic development.
