The Federal Government has charged capital market operators to boost investor confidence, enhance financial literacy, and fully prepare for the implementation of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 and the forthcoming Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP) 2030.
Speaking at the 2025 First Capital Market Committee (CMC) Meeting hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Lagos, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the market’s strategic role in driving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a $1 trillion economy in a decade.
Represented by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Mr. Edun noted that Nigeria had the potential to hit that milestone 20 years ago but is now better positioned following key reforms—including fuel subsidy removal, FX harmonization, and fiscal tightening.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Muhammed Manga in a statement quoted him to have indicated that “The capital market must now lead the way in mobilizing long-term financing for infrastructure, housing, manufacturing, technology, and energy,” he stated.
He described the ISA 2025 as a landmark reform that modernizes Nigeria’s regulatory landscape in line with global standards, while highlighting the need for credible capital entry and exit frameworks to inspire greater investor confidence.
“If a billion-dollar investment enters today, can it exit smoothly tomorrow? Until we can answer that, our market isn’t truly ready,” the Minister challenged.
He also advocated the creation of a Market Literacy Fund to support investor education and deepen public participation in wealth creation.
“We’ve done the reforms. Now is the time to implement. Let’s build a resilient, rules-based market that delivers prosperity for all Nigerians,” Edun urged.
Earlier, SEC Director General Dr. Emomotimi Agama praised the passage of ISA 2025 and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to investor protection, digital innovation, and capital mobilization.
He cited a strong 2024 market performance, NGX All-Share Index up 37.65%,Market capitalization exceeded ₦62 trillion and Debt markets saw ₦460.55 trillion turnover
Dr. Agama also confirmed SEC’s readiness to roll out CMMP 2030 and support Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list through robust AML/CFT measures.
The meeting brought together top financial institutions and regulators including NGX, NASD, FMDQ, AFEX, CSCS, LCFE, NG Clearing, PCX, GCMX, CBN, DMO, FIRS, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It also featured the launch of the new SEC website and the official ISA 2025 Handbook.
With renewed policy focus and stakeholder alignment, Nigeria’s capital market is poised to become a key engine for economic transformation and sustainable growth.
