SEC Urges Nigerians to Embrace Capital Market for Financial Independence

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has urged Nigerians to embrace opportunities in the capital market as a pathway to achieving both personal and national financial independence.

In his Independence Day message, SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, described the capital market as “a critical engine of economic empowerment,” stressing that true independence extends beyond political sovereignty to include financial freedom for citizens.

“Financial independence is central to dignity and prosperity. The capital market provides a platform for citizens to transform their savings into investments that can secure their future,” Agama said.

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Capital Market as a Tool for Economic Empowerment

Agama explained that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the market is being repositioned as “a public square of prosperity for all Nigerians,” rather than an exclusive preserve of a few.

Key reforms highlighted include:

• Dematerialisation of shares to simplify access.

• Policies to increase retail investor participation.

• Introduction of new asset classes and promotion of FinTech collaborations.

• Reduced time-to-market for securities.

• Promotion of financial literacy and adoption of global best practices.

• Sustained crackdown on Ponzi schemes targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.

“These are not just regulatory updates; they are the building blocks of a financial democracy,” Agama said.

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Building Blocks to Financial Democracy

The SEC boss emphasized that every Nigerian — from civil servants to entrepreneurs, farmers, and fishermen — can now have a stake in the economy.

He added that buying shares makes citizens part-owners of Nigerian companies, while investing in bonds funds infrastructure that drives national development.

“This is the new face of patriotism,” he declared.

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Financial Literacy and Long-Term Investment Culture

Agama called on Nigerians to cultivate financial literacy, adopt consistent investment habits, and maintain a long-term outlook.

“As we celebrate 65 years of nationhood, let us embrace this powerful tool for wealth creation. The growth of our economy must mirror the growth of our citizens’ financial independence.”

The SEC reiterated its commitment to policies that boost investor confidence, democratize wealth creation, and enhance economic stability through broad participation in the capital market.

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What You Should Know

Earlier this week, SEC raised alarm over the growing wave of AI-driven scams. The regulator said fraudsters are exploiting deepfake videos of politicians, celebrities, and TV hosts to lure investors into fake schemes through Facebook ads, Instagram reels, and Telegram groups.

To counter the trend, SEC disclosed that it has adopted an advanced surveillance system capable of detecting fraudulent activities in real time.