By Charles Ebi
Securities and Exchange Commission ,SEC, has projected that Nigeria’s capital market will reach a valuation of N300tn, following the enactment of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
This projection was made by the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, during a high-level meeting in Brazil with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Board of Directors of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc ,NGX.
According to Agama, the newly signed ISA 2025 will be instrumental in driving transformative growth across the capital market.
He described it as one of Africa’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for capital markets—crafted to deepen investor protection, enhance regulatory clarity, and unlock new channels of investment.
“The Act will propel Nigeria toward a ₦300tn market while ensuring equitable wealth distribution through strong investor protection and regulatory clarity”, Agama stated.
Signed into law by President Tinubu in April 2025, the ISA introduces structural reforms designed to align Nigeria’s capital markets with international best practices.
The legislation is also expected to stimulate innovation, attract foreign investment, and expand the range of financial instruments accessible to both institutional and retail investors.
Agama noted that the reforms are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading investment destination.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, commended the progress of the capital market since the beginning of his administration over two years ago.
He pointed to the significant growth in market capitalisation and trading volumes as clear signs of increasing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms.
“Nigeria’s markets must be a trusted engine of enterprise and prosperity. My government will continue to pursue reforms that unlock capital, protect investors, and drive innovation so that our economy works for every Nigerian,” Tinubu said.
He also praised the leadership of the SEC and NGX for their contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and reiterated his administration’s readiness to implement further reforms to expand the capital market.
Chairman of NGX Group, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, expressed gratitude to the President for his bold reform agenda, noting that market values and trading volumes have nearly tripled under the current administration.
He called for the accelerated listing of major state-owned enterprises, including NNPC Limited, and advocated for tax incentives to sustain market growth.
Group CEO of NGX, Temi Popoola, emphasised the importance of upgrading market infrastructure, driving product innovation, and expanding retail investor access through digital platforms.
“Positioning Nigeria’s Exchange as a global investment hub requires stronger partnerships and inclusive growth strategies,” he said.
NGX Group Director Nonso Okpala highlighted exchange rate stability and macroeconomic predictability as key growth drivers. He urged more Nigerian companies to list on the NGX, describing it as a pathway to democratise wealth and broaden economic participation.
