Barbara Bako, Abuja.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that over N2.7trn capital has been raised in the capital market by banks and other companies.
The statistic, which comprises equity capital, excludes the amount raised by funds managers in the capital market.
This is just as the Commission reported that out of the N2.7trn, around N1.7trn was raised by banks through their re-capitalisation exercise.
The Director-General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama said these while delivering the keynote paper at the Commission’s 2024 Journalists Academy with the theme, “Fintech: Leveraging Technology to Drive Capital Market Participation.”
He emphasised the workshop’s significance by highlighting the Commission’s joint duty to advance openness, trust, and consciousness in the Nigerian capital market.
He gave an economic update, pointing out that macroeconomic indicators showed significant changes and that the Commission has made major efforts to realign its operations since the current management took over as its leader.
Some of the steps include the creation of specialised departments to focus on some of the developments in the markets and ensure proper regulation, creation of a Fintech and Innovation Department and a Derivatives and Risk Management Department, creation of an office of Municipal Bond, Office of Business Advocacy and Capital Formation, as well as Office of Unclaimed Monies and Office of Power Supply
The SEC DG highlighted the importance of these departments in regulating crypto-assets, derivatives, and forex CFDs, as well as tackling longstanding issues such as unclaimed dividends so as to address financial innovation, emerging risks and improve the service delivery of the Commission.
Agama noted the significant progress in registering Capital Market Operators (CMOs), including on-boarding FinTechs under the Commission’s Regulatory Incubation Programmes (RIP and ARIP).
He highlighted the efforts made by the SEC working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to ensure Nigeria exits the FATF grey list adding that this is crucial for the development of the financial sector.
He revealed that SEC was among 11 MDAs across Nigeria that achieved 100 per cent implementation of recommended reforms, strengthening Nigeria’s business environment and ensuring it remains a model for regulatory excellence.
He said, “We have made significant progress in registering Capital Market Operators (CMOs), including on-boarding FinTechs under our Regulatory Incubation Programmes (RIP and ARIP). This effort ensures that our regulatory framework is inclusive and forward-looking.
“As you are aware, we came on board with an important banking recapitalisation exercise which we can declare has been successful. About N1.7trn has been raised so far from the market. This exercise will enhance financial stability and bolster investor confidence and improve the Nigerian economy.
“The SEC is also actively working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to ensure Nigeria exits the FATF grey list. This is crucial for the development of the financial sector. This collaborative effort when successful, will ensure the international financial credibility of the Nigerian financial system and avert economic sanctions.
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“The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) set up a 90-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Programme earlier in the year. The programme was meant to improve service delivery across MDAs and for us this speaks to attracting both foreign and domestic investors by improving disclosures and access to relevant information.”
Agama also underscored the efforts of the SEC to improve the capital markets in Nigeria by updating its enabling law, which is the Investment Securities Act 2007.
He highlighted the SEC approval of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF) to tackle housing deficit in Nigeria by enabling affordable mortgage financing, which aligns with the federal government’s One Million Homes Initiative.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to implementing its Revised Capital Market Master plan (2021-2025) by prioritising stakeholder engagement, awareness creation, capacity building, and developing regulatory frameworks that support innovative financial products.
Agama also used the opportunity to unveil a snapshot of the 2025 outlook of the SEC. He said the emphasis for the Commission in 2025 is to enhance market transparency and confidence, leveraging financial technology to drive inclusion and innovation, and strengthening collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders to maintain financial stability.
He recognised the role of the media in shaping public perception and understanding of the capital market, stating that through accurate reporting and constructive critique, the media can build trust and confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
