The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reported that companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. declared dividends totalling N1.1 trillion to shareholders in 2024. According to the SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, N1 trillion of this amount has already been paid out.

Dr. Agama also stated that the commission greenlit 11 mergers and acquisitions in 2024, with a combined value of N320.36 billion.

Dr. Agama linked the dividend payments to improved market confidence and increased returns for investors.

He also provided figures on new capital raised during 2024, stating that the commission approved N3.68 trillion in new issues over the year. This amount included N59.82 billion in fixed income securities and N3.62 trillion in equities, indicating strong investor demand and confidence in the equity market.

For the first four months of 2025, the SEC has approved new issues worth approximately N446.38 billion. Of this, N265.90 billion was raised through fixed income instruments, while N180.48 billion came from equities.

On mergers and acquisitions, Dr. Agama said the commission approved 11 transactions in 2024 valued at a total of N320.36 billion. The largest was the acquisition of a 58.02 per cent equity stake in Guinness Nigeria Plc by N Seven Nigeria Ltd., worth over N103.7 billion. Other approved transactions included three corporate restructuring deals, two share capital reconstructions, one takeover, and four securities registrations.

He highlighted notable corporate restructurings, such as a scheme of arrangement involving Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc valued at over N105 billion and a share capital reconstruction by Transnational Corporation Plc, involving a one-for-four share consolidation valued at N5.08 billion.

In 2025, the SEC approved three major transactions totalling N38.53 billion, comprising two takeovers and one corporate restructuring. While no mergers have occurred so far this year, Dr. Agama noted the market remains active with ongoing strategic consolidations and reorganisations in key sectors.

Regarding collective investment schemes, the SEC recorded growth with 184 registered mutual funds holding a combined net asset value of N3.84 trillion by the end of 2024. Privately managed portfolios increased to 444 vehicles with assets totalling N4.69 trillion, overseen by 82 active asset management firms managing N8.53 trillion in total investments.

Dr. Agama said these figures demonstrate a maturing market where professional fund management plays a vital role in capital formation and wealth creation. He added that issuers continue to use both debt and equity markets to finance growth and investments, reflecting sustained market activity.