By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) is set to lead discussions on enhancing Nigeria’s policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at improving capital market performance and attract both domestic and foreign investments.
The Institute plans to showcase innovative solutions at its 28th Annual Stockbrokers Conference, scheduled to hold in November. The two-day event, themed “Capital Market as a Catalyst for the $1.0 Trillion Economy,” will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and finance experts to deliberate on strategies to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to a statement from CIS Registrar and Chief Executive, Josiah Akerewusi, one of the core objectives of the conference is to foster collaboration among stakeholders to drive policy reforms that will enhance the capital market’s role in national development. “Participants shall examine the current state of the Nigerian economy and identify areas for improvement, discuss strategies for enhancing the capital market’s contribution to economic growth, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to drive policy reforms and regulatory enhancements,” he said.
The conference will also explore practical ways through which the capital market can help the Federal Government achieve its vision of growing Nigeria’s economy to $1 trillion. The Institute aims to leverage its members’ strong financial expertise to chart a path toward achieving this ambitious target.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has articulated the vision of attaining a $1 trillion economy during his tenure, and we firmly believe that the Nigerian capital market, being a key driver of the economy, is well positioned to drive the actualisation of this vision.
We are convinced that the Nigerian capital market can generate up to half of the envisaged $1 trillion,” said Fiona Ahimie, CIS 1st Vice President.
The conference will feature discussions on critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, recommendations for improved performance, and how strategic enhancements in the capital market can drive economic growth. Topics for discussion include “X-Raying the Critical Sectors of the Nigerian Economy,” “Strengthening the Capital Market’s Role for Economic Growth,” and “Harnessing Digital Innovation for Capital Market Expansion and Economic Growth.”
Simisola Ojumu, Vice Chairman of the Annual Conference Committee, emphasized the significance of digital innovation in the capital market ecosystem. “The panel sessions have been carefully structured to address critical issues about making the Nigerian business environment attractive for doing business to attract more domestic and foreign investment. The sessions will address policy and regulatory framework for optimal capital market performance,” she noted.
She added that the CIS believes that a combination of regulatory reforms, capital market expansion, and digital innovation can significantly contribute to Nigeria’s growth, ultimately helping the country achieve its trillion-dollar economy goal.