Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, Senator Osita Izunaso, has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s $1 Trillion Economy would be realized following his assent to the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja Izunaso explained that the President’s economic transformation agenda has taken a significant leap forward with the enactment of the law.
According to the chairman who sponsored the legislation the
groundbreaking reform is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s financial markets and bolstering investor confidence.
The new law, which replaces the Investment and Securities Act 2007, is expected to play a pivotal role in actualizing Tinubu’s ambitious goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
He hailed the Act as a major step toward economic modernization. According to him, the Act enhances Nigeria’s financial regulatory framework, ensuring that both the money and capital markets operate in line with international best practices.
“A landmark provision in the new law is the formal recognition of digital assets, including cryptocurrency, as regulated securities under the oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
“For the first time, digital assets have legal recognition as securities in Nigeria,” Izunaso stated. “With the country ranking among the top three globally in cryptocurrency transactions, this structured regulatory approach will unlock immense economic potential while ensuring transparency and investor protection.”
Beyond digital assets, the ISA 2025 takes a firm stand against financial fraud, including Ponzi schemes and insider trading.
“The Act prescribes stringent penalties for financial criminals, with Ponzi scheme operators facing up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to ₦40 million, and compulsory restitution to defrauded investors.
“Similarly, insider trading and market manipulation now carry severe consequences, including license revocation.
“This law closes the loopholes that fraudsters have exploited for years,” Izunaso emphasized. “With SEC’s expanded authority and digital footprints left by online scams, perpetrators can no longer evade justice.”
A key innovation in the Act according to him, is its provision for state and local governments to access long-term capital market funding.
“Previously, subnational governments had limited options beyond federal allocations and commercial loans.
“The new framework allows them to raise funds through the capital market for critical infrastructure projects, easing the financial strain on the federal government while fostering economic development at grassroots levels.
“With this reform, states and local governments can now finance essential projects without over-reliance on federal resources,” Izunaso noted. “This is a transformative step for decentralized economic growth.”
“Additionally, the Act strengthens Nigeria’s capital market alignment with international regulatory standards set by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). “This alignment enhances the country’s global market credibility, making it more attractive to foreign investors while reinforcing trust among local investors.
“Furthermore, the law fortifies the Investment and Securities Tribunal, ensuring quicker resolution of financial disputes and boosting market stability.
Another significant feature of the ISA 2025 is its structured framework for commodity markets, particularly in agriculture and mining.
“By providing clear guidelines for commodity trading, Nigeria stands to maximize its vast natural resources, further diversifying its economic base and generating additional revenue streams.
President Tinubu’s administration views the passage of the Investment and Securities Act as a foundational step toward economic transformation.
By modernizing Nigeria’s investment laws, ensuring financial market stability, and eliminating fraudulent schemes, the new regulatory environment is expected to drive the country toward sustained growth and prosperity.
“This is more than just a policy change—it is a bold step toward achieving Nigeria’s long-term economic aspirations,” Izunaso concluded. “With a more structured, transparent, and resilient capital market, Nigeria is now better positioned to realize its $1 trillion economy vision.”
