The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has stressed the need for Nigeria to harness her demographic dividend to advance financial inclusion through investments by 2030 for national development or face worsening inequality.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, made this remark at the United Capital Asset Management Investment forum on Wednesday in Lagos.
Delivering his keynote address titled: “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging
Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap”, the investment expert stressed that the Federal Government must harness the nation’s demographic dividend to boost investment.
He said: “Our theme, Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments, is not aspirational; it is foundational to national survival.
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“We stand at a pivotal moment. By 2030, Nigeria can either harness its demographic dividend or face deepening inequality. The knowledge-wealth gap is not merely an economic challenge; it is a moral imperative,” Agama added.
According to him, the term “inclusion” should be reframed as active financial involvement, where access meets empowerment, and capital becomes a tool for transformation.
Agama said that closing the financial inclusion gender gap could lift 700,000 Nigerians from poverty.
He expatiated: “Nigeria has a great population yet we have a tiny drop of this number of persons involved in the capital market. That is one reason for poverty, because we are running from money. We have to do something. Our market capitalisation is an opportunity to do something,
“We need to change the narrative and move the market forward. We must reach out to make the difference. We are committed to protecting investors and developing the market. Our goal is to do the right thing no matter whose ox is gored. We will work by the principles of fairness and equity to change the market. We will provide a fair ground for everyone to aspire”, the Director-General added.
He noted that MTN Nigeria’s share offering drew 150,000 new investors – 75 per cent women, 85 per cent under 40.
Agama recommended a four-pillar strategy for bridging the gaps. The strategy includes, democratisation of financial knowledge, catalyse MSME Investment Channels, blended Finance Vehicles: Partner with Bank of Industry (BOI) to de-risk loans for women-led SMEs.
He stressed: “We need to educate people about finances. As we drive this market, we do so for a purpose, I enjoin everyone to be the disciple and the apostles. Getting this market to move is a deliberate action.”
Photo Caption
L-R: Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Group, Mr. Sunny Anene; Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama; MD/CEO United Capital Asset Management, Dr. Odiri Oginni; Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Group, Mr. Peter Ashade; and Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Akin Morakinyo; during the United Capital Asset Management Investment forum on Wednesday in Lagos
