Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has underscored the capital market's critical role in Nigeria's ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy. At the Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting, represented by Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Edun noted the market's progress since 2015, citing improved governance, new products and platforms, a stronger regulatory environment, and increased investor participation.

The implementation of the Capital Market Master Plan (2015-2025) has been instrumental in enhancing the market’s contribution to the national economy, fostering a sophisticated market structure, and boosting competitiveness. The revised plan prioritizes digitalisation, innovation, sustainability, inclusion, and capital formation, aligning with broader economic reforms.

Edun highlighted the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as transformative, modernizing the legal and regulatory framework, streamlining enforcement, and clarifying emerging areas like digital assets and crowdfunding. He emphasized its role in deepening market participation and ensuring tight regulatory coordination, fostering an environment for private sector innovation to thrive within a fair and transparent system.

The capital market is expected to contribute to the economy by facilitating capital raising, wealth creation, economic inclusion, and long-term national resilience. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is undertaking regulatory reforms, including joining the GBMC Network of IOSCO and promoting ISSB standards, which has helped the domestic economy achieve its fastest GDP growth in a decade in 2024, driven by a strong fourth quarter and improved fiscal position.

SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, reiterated the commission's commitment to regulatory reforms and capital market growth. He described ISA 2025 as the dawn of a new era for the capital market, emphasizing efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement, disseminate understanding of the new law, and drive innovation and compliance.

Agama also stressed the importance of restoring investor confidence, providing timely relief to aggrieved investors, and enabling broad-based participation in wealth creation. The SEC has formed an implementation team to thoroughly engage with ISA 2025 and a sensitisation team to deepen public understanding, including launching a podcast series to simplify the new law.

Agama highlighted the Nigerian capital market's strong performance in 2024, with the NGX All-Share Index increasing by 37.65% and market capitalisation growing by 53.39%. The commission is focused on enhancing regulatory efficiency, promoting market integrity, and protecting investors.

Financial inclusion and investor education are also key, with initiatives to empower women, youth, and grassroots communities. The SEC is committed to technology-driven solutions, including launching an e-survey to assess emerging technology adoption in the Nigerian capital market.

Agama concluded by emphasizing the commission’s commitment to fostering growth, transparency, and sustainability in the capital market. The unveiling of the ISA Act 2025 by the minister was a highlight of the CMC meeting.