SEC to Sensitise State Governments on Capital Market Investments to Drive Economic Growth

SEC Launches Strategic Investor Education Drive for State Governments

R-L: Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama; Director, Treasury Market Operations, International Finance Corporation, IFC,  Tom Ceusters and Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Africa Region, Hadija Kamayo, during the courtesy visit by IFC in Abuja.

In a bold move to unlock economic opportunities within Nigeria’s states, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to embark on a comprehensive investor education campaign aimed at sensitizing state governments on the vast potential of the capital market.

Reflecting on the importance of financial literacy and market participation, SEC Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, recalled past instances where untapped wealth remained stagnant due to a lack of awareness. “There are states in Nigeria that are naturally rich, yet economic activities remain dormant. All their wealth is trapped in the ground,” he stated. This observation has driven SEC’s renewed focus on educating state executives about capital market investments.

Dr. Agama emphasized that knowledge remains the catalyst for transformation. “Imagine states establishing factories that produce goods for export, earning foreign exchange, and creating jobs. The result would be wealth creation and sustainable economic growth,” he noted.

This strategic initiative will commence with an executive engagement in a northern state, where SEC will outline investment strategies, regulatory frameworks, and practical steps for raising capital through bonds or attracting investors. The campaign will also feature detailed reports, policy briefs, and simplified financial guides to aid state governments in leveraging the capital market effectively.

The SEC’s efforts align with broader global financial development goals. Mr. Tom Ceusters, Director of Treasury Market Operations at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), highlighted that the World Bank Group and IFC are actively collaborating with financial regulators to devise strategies that enhance Nigeria’s economic landscape. “Our discussions with SEC and other stakeholders will help shape policies that support market growth and investment inflows,” he stated during a recent visit to Abuja.

As the SEC embarks on this transformative journey, its mission is clear—empowering state governments with the financial intelligence needed to harness capital market opportunities, drive economic expansion, and rewrite Nigeria’s investment narrative.