The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced the flagging off of an enlightenment initiative tagged #investnigeria as part of its sustained drive to ensure that more Nigerians are attracted to the capital market
Speaking at the official rollout at the weekend, Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said the aim is to promote investment in the capital market through advertising, which he emphasized, has numerous benefits.
He explained: “Some reasons why advertising can be an effective way to promote investment in the capital market are that it can educate potential investors about the benefits and opportunities of investing in the capital market, the campaigns improve literacy by helping investors understand various investment products, risks, and rewards and advertising can assist investors have access to investment opportunities by informing them about available investment opportunities, such as initial public offerings (IPOs), bonds, and mutual funds.”
Agama said the initiative would also benefit the economy as encouraging investment in the capital market can lead to increased economic activity, job creation, and GDP growth.
He stressed that “advertising can attract domestic and foreign investment, leading to increased capital formation and development of the capital market. Advertising can also aide Financial deepening as promoting investment in the capital market can contribute to financial deepening, making financial services more accessible and affordable.”
According to him, the #investnigeria initiative also has enormous benefits for the capital market as it can attract more investors, leading to increased liquidity and market efficiency as well as promote transparency and disclosure, essential for a well-functioning capital market.
In addition, he pointed out that advertising can help the capital market become more competitive, attracting more issuers and investors both local and foreign adding that by promoting investment in the capital market through advertising, the Commission can increase awareness, improve financial literacy, and attract more investors, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.
Agama further disclosed that apart from the billboards already being installed in different parts of the country, the commission intended to utilize social media, online advertising, and email marketing to reach a wider audience.
The Director-General expatiated: “We hope to collaborate with financial influencers, bloggers, and thought leaders to promote investment in the capital market. We will also host seminars, workshops, and conferences to educate investors and promote investment opportunities, as well as leverage media coverage to raise awareness about the capital market and investment opportunities
“One of the ways by which you can protect investors is obviously by equipping them with knowledge and giving them the know-how to discern between what is a good investment and what is not a good investment.
“I am talking about in terms of safety, in terms of avoiding risk, in terms of avoiding a Ponzi scheme, or spotting a Ponzi scheme when it’s there, or spotting a scam or even just taking care of their assets”, Agama added.
He underscored the knowledge-based nature of the capital market, stating that the SEC needs “to continue constant education in the capital market. The market is knowledge-based and we are committed to ensuring that information is made available to the investing public.
“The commission will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to create more learning opportunities. That is the reason we have decided to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the message is taken to every part of this country as investor education can foster the growth and development of Nigeria’s capital market”, Agama assured.
