The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, has asked stockbrokers to do more to promote the Nigerian capital market’s sustainability.
He gave the charge at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Abuja.
He pointed out that stockbrokers and other market operators have a critical role to play by promoting sustainable investment products, advising issuers on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures and guiding investors towards responsible assets.
Agama stressed that the SEC and the CIS share a common vision of building a capital market that mobilises savings for productive investment, creates jobs and drives economic diversification.
He noted that the SEC’s “partnership with the institute in areas such as professional certification, investor education, financial literacy, and policy advocacy has continued to yield positive results.
“Yet, we must do even more. The task ahead is to ensure that the capital market becomes central to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda — a market that finances infrastructure, empowers MSMEs, supports green and digital enterprises, and contributes meaningfully to the realisation of a trillion-dollar economy,” Agama said.
READ ALSO: NSIPA Disburses ₦22.48bn to Katsina Beneficiaries, ₦344bn Nationwide Under Renewed Hope Programme
He maintained that the global shift towards sustainable finance is redefining investment decisions, corporate governance and risk management, urging that the Nigerian capital market must adapt to remain competitive and relevant.
Commending the resilience and professionalism of market operators despite challenging conditions, the SEC boss said it reflects the enduring strength of the Nigerian capital market and its potential to transform the nation’s economic landscape.
“With the world changing fast, the Nigerian capital market must not only keep pace but lead by example,” he added. “Let us therefore recommit to innovation that empowers, ethics that endure, and sustainability that delivers long-term prosperity for all,” Agama said.
READ ALSO: Nigeria, Denmark Sign MoU on Digital Transformation, Innovation
He described sustainability as a global imperative that goes beyond technology and ethics, noting that ESG considerations are now shaping responsible investment and capital allocation across the world.
“In line with this, the Commission has taken bold steps to align our market with global sustainability standards. Through initiatives such as the adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework, the Green Bond Programme, and our collaboration with development partners, we are laying the groundwork for a financial system that supports the transition of our country to a low-carbon, inclusive economy,” Agama added.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X
