The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has urged stockbrokers and capital market stakeholders to leverage the full potential of the capital market to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria. He made the call at the 28th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Ibadan, Oyo State, with the theme, “Capital Market as a Catalyst for the $1tn Economy.”
Agama emphasized that the capital market is more than just a fundraising platform; it is a powerful engine for wealth creation, economic diversification, and infrastructure development. He stated that by channeling resources into productive sectors, the capital market could drive industrial growth and technological advancement.
The SEC DG outlined several challenges hindering the market’s performance, including regulatory issues, market liquidity, and investor confidence. He stressed the need for technological innovation, including fintech solutions, blockchain, and digital assets, to improve market efficiency and transparency.
“The success of the $1tn economy vision depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the financial ecosystem,” Agama said. He urged collaboration among regulators, market operators, and policymakers to build a more resilient and inclusive capital market.
Agama also commended the CIS for its role in promoting knowledge sharing and professional development. He praised the hosting of the conference in Oyo State, recognizing it as an economic hub and a region rich in cultural heritage. The inclusion of factory visits at the conference was seen as a valuable opportunity for participants to engage with leading companies directly.
The SEC DG reiterated the SEC’s full support for the conference, noting its significance in shaping the future of the Nigerian capital market. He encouraged members to actively participate and benefit from the insights shared.
In his address, Mr. Oluropo Dada, President of CIS, said the conference theme was aligned with the Federal Government’s goal of growing Nigeria’s GDP to $1 trillion. Dada highlighted the capital market’s crucial role in mobilizing capital for both government and private sectors, helping small businesses scale into large companies, and facilitating wealth creation and distribution.
He concluded, “Achieving a trillion-dollar economy requires a comprehensive exploration of the capital market’s proven role as an engine of growth.”
