Minister of Finance and Coordi­nating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has emphasised the crucial role of the capital market in achieving the nation’s ambitious goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

Speaking at the Capital Mar­ket Committee (CMC) meeting, Edun who was represented by Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, on Mon­day, highlighted the market’s transformation since 2015, with improvements in governance structures, new products and platforms, stronger regulatory environment, and growing investor participation. ­

 According to the minister, the implementation of the Cap­ital Market Master Plan (2015- 2025) has been instrumental in increasing the market’s contri­bution to the national economy, developing a sophisticated mar­ket structure, and improving competitiveness.

Edun said the revised plan prioritises digitalisation, innova­tion, sustainability, inclusion, and capital formation, aligning with the broader economic reform agenda.

He said the passage of the new act modernises the legal and reg­ulatory framework, streamlines enforcement mechanisms, and provides clarity on emerging areas such as digital assets and crowdfunding.

On the challenges and oppor­tunities inherent in the Act, the minister said it will help deepen market participation, as well as ensure regulatory coordination remain tight.

Speaking on the government private sector innovation in cre­ating the needed environment for businesses to thrive, the minister noted that the government is com­mitted to creating an enabling en­vironment for private sector in­novation to flourish within a fair and transparent environment.

The minister added that the market is expected to contribute to the economy, serving not only for capital raising but also as a vehicle for wealth creation, eco­nomic inclusion, and long-term national resilience.

He explained that with the Securities and Exchange Com­mission undertaking regulatory reforms, including joining the GBMC Network of IOSCO in pro­moting and implementing ISSB standards, among others, the domestic economy has recorded the fastest GDP growth in about a decade in 2024, driven by a strong fourth quarter and improved fis­cal position.

Earlier in his speech, the DG, SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, em­phasised the commission’s com­mitment to regulatory reforms and capital market growth.

According to him, the en­actment of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 marks the beginning of a transfor­mative new era for the capital market.

Agama highlighted the com­mission’s efforts to deepen en­gagement with stakeholders, en­sure widespread dissemination and understanding of the new law, and drive innovation and compliance.

He also emphasised the impor­tance of restoring investor con­fidence, bringing timely relief to aggrieved investors, and creating a platform for broad-based par­ticipation of Nigerians in wealth creation.

The SEC boss noted that the commission has constituted an implementation team to thor­oughly engage with every provi­sion of the ISA 2025 and set up a dedicated sensitisation team to deepen public understanding of the new law. A podcast series has also been launched to simplify the ISA 2025 and make it accessible to all Nigerians.

Agama highlighted the Nige­rian capital market’s impressive performance in 2024, with the NGX All-Share Index increasing by 37.65% and market capitalisa­tion growing by 53.39%.

He also noted the commis­sion’s efforts to enhance regula­tory efficiency, promote market integrity, and protect investors.

The SEC boss emphasised the importance of financial inclusion and investor education, citing the commission’s initiatives to empower women, youth, and grassroots communities.

He also highlighted the com­mission’s commitment to tech­nology-driven solutions, includ­ing the launch of an e-survey to assess emerging technology adoption in the Nigerian capital market.

Agama concluded by empha­sising the commission’s com­mitment to fostering growth, transparency, and sustainability in the capital market, and looking forward to fruitful deliberations at the meeting.

The highlight of the CMC meeting was the unveiling of the ISA Act 2025 by the minister.