In 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has committed to further up its efforts to combat pyramid and Ponzi schemes while simultaneously concentrating on growing Nigeria’s commodities market.
In a New Year’s address to the capital market community over the weekend, SEC Director-General Dr Emomotimi Agama revealed this, according to a statement released on Sunday. He emphasised that protecting investors continues to be a key component of the Commission’s mission.
The statement read, “The Securities and Exchange Commission has emphasised that protecting investors remains a cornerstone of its mission assuring that the commission will intensify efforts to stamp out Ponzi and pyramid schemes while paving the way for legitimate investment opportunities to thrive in 2025.”
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SEC DG expresses optimism for 2025
Agama voiced hope for the future, pointing out that market integrity, investor trust, and economic growth will be given top priority on the SEC’s 2025 agenda.
He described the year as crucial for integrating the Nigerian capital market into the larger economy and restated the Commission’s dual purpose of growing and regulating the market.
“Enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively,” he said.
He continued, “Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms.
“Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets. We will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions.,” he emphasised.
Enforcement as the backbone of effective regulation
The head of the SEC emphasised enforcement as the cornerstone of successful regulation and presented measures to restructure the Commission’s investigative procedures to increase effectiveness and firmly hold corrupt actors responsible.
The SEC is updating its regulatory framework to combat insider trading, improve transparency, and foster confidence in securities transactions, he continued.
The SEC is improving the Investments and Securities Tribunal’s operations to guarantee prompt and equitable settlement of market disputes, Agama further declared.
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Goals to boost investors’ confidence
According to him, the goals of these reforms are to increase investor trust and enhance market efficiency in general.
The growth of Nigeria’s commodities market is a key area of attention for the SEC in 2025.
To realise the full potential of the market, Agama emphasised the significance of utilising the nation’s rural economy.
He clarified that the Commission will fortify the legal and regulatory structure to establish a thriving commodities ecosystem that encompasses both hard and soft commodities.
He stated, “The commodities market is indeed a major area of interest for us at the SEC. Nigeria is purely an agrarian nation, and as such, taking that comparative advantage to the next level is something that the SEC is proud to be a part of.”
“It is a vital part of the Nigerian economy. This year, we will focus on reinforcing the legal and regulatory structures that support growth so we can create a solid foundation for the vibrant commodities ecosystem. Be it a soft commodity or a hard commodity.”
“More so, when we have a plethora of commodities all over Nigeria. The SEC, as a partner in development, will make sure that we will make the difference,” he said.
Support for economic growth
Agama reaffirmed that the SEC wants to use Nigeria’s diverse range of commodities to support economic development to significantly impact the commodities industry.
According to him, the commodities market is an essential component of Nigeria’s economy and a major area of the commission’s attention.
Agama highlighted the SEC’s dedication to creating a more inclusive capital market by 2025.
To realise its goals of wealth creation, increased confidence, and economic progress, he urged stakeholders to work together with the Commission.