The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has begun a nationwide public awareness campaign aimed at assisting Nigerians in recovering unclaimed dividends and other outstanding funds arising from capital market transactions.
The initiative officially commenced with a town hall meeting held in Lagos on Thursday and is designed to educate investors on the existence of unclaimed funds, the responsibilities of the National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF), and the procedures required to verify and recover eligible claims.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, represented by the Director of Registration and Exchanges, Market Infrastructure Department, Hafsat Rufai, said the campaign reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that investors receive funds that rightfully belong to them.
Agama explained that several categories of unclaimed funds currently administered by the National Investor Protection Fund include refunds from public offers, consideration arising from mergers, acquisitions and corporate restructuring transactions, as well as other capital market-related monies that have remained unclaimed over time.
According to him, many investors are either unaware that they have outstanding claims or do not understand the process required to recover such funds.
He stressed that the Commission views the situation as unacceptable and believes every legitimate investor should have access to funds due to them.
“The Commission considers this situation unacceptable. Funds belonging to investors should ultimately find their way back to their rightful owners,” he said.
The SEC boss disclosed that the Commission’s Board approved the nationwide sensitisation campaign to increase public awareness about unclaimed monies, explain the role of the National Investor Protection Fund and educate investors on the procedures for submitting legitimate claims.
He noted that the outreach programme would not be limited to Lagos, explaining that similar engagements would be organised across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Agama, the nationwide campaign is expected to improve investor confidence, promote financial inclusion and encourage more active participation in the Nigerian capital market.
He urged investors and their families to take advantage of the campaign by verifying their investment records and taking the necessary steps to recover any outstanding funds that may belong to them.
The SEC also reiterated its commitment to protecting investors and strengthening transparency within Nigeria’s capital market through continuous public engagement and investor education.
