By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding investors and fostering a thriving capital market with plans to intensify its crackdown on Ponzi and pyramid schemes in 2025. This was disclosed by SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama in a New Year message to the capital market community, where he outlined the Commission’s vision for a more robust and inclusive market.
“The SEC is positioned with a dual mandate in regulating and developing the capital market in Nigeria. Naturally, our top priority in 2025 will cut across the dual mandate. For us, mainstreaming the Nigerian Capital Market into the economy is very vital,” Agama said.
He emphasised that enforcement will be a cornerstone of SEC’s strategy in 2025, saying, “Enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively.”
To curb insider trading, the Commission plans to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms by revising its regulatory framework. “Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms.
“Transparency will also take center stage in 2025, with the Commission introducing measures to enhance visibility and trust in securities transactions. Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets,” he said.
The SEC is also prioritising the efficiency of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) to ensure timely and fair resolutions of market disputes.
A key focus area for 2025 is the development of Nigeria’s commodities market. Agama highlighted the importance of leveraging the nation’s agrarian economy to build a vibrant commodities ecosystem.