The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, says Nigeria’s capital market has the potential to unlock over $500 billion in untapped agricultural and mineral resources through the formalization of commodities exchanges and warehouse receipts systems.
Speaking during a national workshop hosted by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Agama emphasized that by transforming these dormant assets into tradeable securities, Nigeria can diversify its economy beyond oil and gas and accelerate wealth creation.
He pointed out that the recently enacted Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 equips the Commission with stronger regulatory tools to drive growth in the commodities market.
> “The new Act sharpens SEC’s regulatory focus and empowers us to promote a rapidly growing market with authority and precision,” Agama stated.
Describing the law as a game-changer, the SEC boss called it more than just an update but a strategic roadmap for positioning Nigeria among the world’s leading economies.
> “The ISA 2025 dismantles outdated constraints, aligns our market with global best practices, and transforms the capital market into a growth engine. The question is no longer if Nigeria can achieve a $1 trillion economy, but how soon,” he said.
Dr. Agama also highlighted key investor protection measures under the new Act. These include explicit powers for the SEC to clamp down on Ponzi schemes and prosecute offenders, as well as safeguards for investors in cases where broker licenses are revoked.
> “Trust is the currency of capital markets. Without it, liquidity dries up. This Act boosts that trust,” he added.
The SEC’s renewed focus on formalizing the commodities value chain is expected to stimulate agricultural financing, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve transparency and investment in the sector.
