Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has urged stockbrokers and other stakeholders in the nation’s capital market to harness its full investment potential to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future for the country.
Agama gave the charge at the 28th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), with the theme ‘Capital Market as a Catalyst for the $1.0trn Economy’, which kicked off today in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Agama maintained that the focus on leveraging the capital market to achieve this ambitious goal of a $1.0 trillion economy underscored the pivotal role our financial markets play in national development.
He said the critical review of sectors, investment strategies, market regulations, and technological innovations that the conference promises would undoubtedly provide a roadmap for the capital market’s contribution to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
According to the Director-General, the capital market is not only a platform for raising funds but also a vital engine for wealth creation, economic diversification, and infrastructure development, adding that by effectively channeling resources into productive sectors, it can stimulate industrial growth and technological advancement.
He explained: “This conference provides an opportunity to identify and address key barriers that have hindered optimal capital market performance, such as regulatory challenges, market liquidity, and investor confidence.
“Additionally, the role of technological innovations in the market cannot be overstated. Embracing fintech solutions, blockchain, and digital assets will further enhance market efficiency and transparency.
“The success of the $1.0 trillion economy vision largely depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the financial ecosystem. By fostering collaboration between regulators, market operators, and policymakers, we can create a more resilient and inclusive market”, Agama added.
The capital market regulator commended members of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) for their relentless efforts in promoting knowledge sharing and professional development through the conference, saying their contributions are crucial in equipping market players with the necessary skills and insights to drive the economy forward.
He described the hosting of the conference in Oyo State, a hub for some of Nigeria’s leading blue-chip companies, as desirable, adding that it not only highlights the economic significance of the region but also its rich cultural heritage, offering participants a well-rounded experience.
Agama said: “The planned factory visits add a practical dimension to the conference, allowing brokers and stakeholders to witness firsthand the operations of notable companies. This initiative will foster deeper industry engagement and understanding.
“As the regulator of the capital market, the SEC fully supports this conference. We recognise its importance in shaping the future of our capital market and are committed to contributing actively. We encourage our members to participate and derive maximum benefit from the insights shared.
“I look forward to the rich discussions and collaborations that this conference will undoubtedly foster. Together, we can unlock the full potential of the Nigerian capital market for sustained economic prosperity”, he added.
The SEC boss expressed confidence that the conference will provide significant insights and strategies that would propel the capital market and economy forward, enjoining all to harness the full potential to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future.
In his address, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the CIS, Mr. Oluropo Dada, said the theme was deliberately crafted to serve as the Institute’s contribution towards achieving one of the Federal Government’s cardinal objectives of growing the nation’s GDP to $1 trillion as quickly as possible.
Dada said the capital market had been playing a pivotal role in any nation’s economy, especially as government and private organisations at various levels continued to explore it to mobilise capital for varying investment needs, making people with ideas becoming entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow into big companies.
The investment expert said: “Likewise, it is an avenue to democratize assets through wealth creation and distribution, since individuals corporates and even governments can participate with the fortune-making and distribution, as they provide opportunities to save and invest for our futures/
“It is our conviction that after carefully studying the paths taken by the developed countries of the world, that achieving a trillion dollar economy necessarily requires a comprehensive exploration of the capital market’s role as a potent and proven engine of growth”, Dada added.
