The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) have stated that the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 will stimulate economic growth and boost capital formation in Nigeria.
They made this known at the 2025 Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) workshop in Lagos themed, “Regulatory Reforms: ISA 2025 and Nigeria’s Investment Climate.”
Director-General of SEC, Mr. Emomotimi Agama—represented by Lagos Head of the Commission, John Briggs—said ISA 2025 introduces comprehensive reforms aimed at modernising regulation, strengthening governance, enhancing investor protection, and better aligning Nigeria with global market standards set by IOSCO.
He noted that the Act clearly defines the Commission’s regulatory objectives for the first time.
Agama highlighted a key shift in the law: expanding regulatory coverage from traditional capital market operators to a broader category of “regulated entities,” including digital asset exchanges, warehouse receipt systems, derivatives and commodities platforms, and market infrastructure operators.
He added that the new Act empowers SEC to detect vulnerabilities, collaborate with regulators during financial stress, and prevent systemic risks.
For investors, Agama emphasised that ISA 2025 provides a more stable and predictable investment climate.
It strengthens the Commission’s authority to crack down on Ponzi schemes by sealing illegal operations and imposing criminal sanctions—measures expected to deepen investor confidence and support long-term capital mobilisation.
NGX Group Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, described the reforms as transformative steps that enhance market governance, strengthen investor protection, and attract larger capital flows.
He urged regulators, operators, investors, and the media to work collaboratively to maximise the benefits of ISA 2025 while commending CAMCAN for promoting capital market education and stakeholder engagement.
Reporting by Sherifat Oyediran