The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stressed the need for a vibrant capital market in achieving the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target.
The Director-General of SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said this at the 2024 SEC Journalists Academy held in Lagos, Tuesday.
Agama spoke on the theme: “The Role of the Capital Market in Driving Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy.”
He said the journey demands collective effort—from policymakers ensuring an enabling environment, to businesses leveraging market opportunities and, importantly, to journalists who communicate the market’s value to the broader public.
“Achieving a N1 trillion economy is not merely an aspirational goal; it is a necessity for the prosperity and resilience of Nigeria.
“The capital market, as the financial backbone of our economy, is poised to drive this transformation,” Agama said.
He, however, said that limited investor participation, regulatory bottlenecks and macroeconomic uncertainties was constraining the capital market full potential to achieve one trillion economy.
He said the challenges must be addressed to achieve the full potential of the capital market in the one trillion dollar economy.
Agama said the capital market in spite of these challenges had helped in the development of the nation’s economy.
He noted that the Federal Government had raised significant capital by issuing six Sukuk to fund road projects across the six geo-political zones.
Agama explained that a significant pathway to economic transformation lies in financing critical national projects, especially in infrastructure.
“Nigeria has already demonstrated how the capital market can fund these needs through innovative instruments like sovereign bonds and a number of Sukuk,” he said.
The SEC DG said this innovative funding approach reduced the reliance on external borrowing while driving job creation, improved logistics, and regional integration.
“The issuance of green bonds has further cemented the role of the capital market in supporting Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy, addressing both infrastructure and environmental sustainability,” he said.
He added that the listing of firms such as Dangote Cement and BUA Group underscores how the capital market supports industrial growth and job creation.
“The total market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited stood at N60 trillion by December 13, 2024, a testament to the growing role of the private sector in driving national economic outcomes.
“One of the most remarkable opportunities within the capital market is its ability to democratise wealth creation.
“Through vehicles like collective investment schemes, retail bonds, and exchange-traded funds, the market provides access to financial products for Nigerians across income levels.
“Beyond government financing, the capital market is a vital enabler of private sector growth,” he said.
He added that companies in Nigeria had utilised the market to raise capital, expand operations, and compete globally.
“A prime example is MTN Nigeria, whose public offering in 2021 attracted significant local investor participation, broadening its shareholder base while showcasing the strength of our market.
“As we navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s economic landscape, the capital market emerges as a cornerstone in the pursuit of sustainable growth and development.
“The capital market is the engine that drives economic progress by channeling resources from savers to those who need capital for productive use.
“Globally, countries that have achieved economic milestones—whether in industrialisation, infrastructure, or innovation—have relied heavily on the capital market to mobilise and allocate resources efficiently.
“However, through concerted efforts by stakeholders—including the Securities and Exchange Commission, market operators, and policymakers—we are laying the foundation for an inclusive, efficient, and globally competitive capital market.”
