The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has called on Nigerians to embrace investment opportunities in the capital market as a pathway to building both personal and national financial independence. His remarks came in a goodwill message titled “Forging a New Legacy of Financial Independence” to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Agama stressed that true independence extends beyond political sovereignty and must include financial security for every citizen. He described the capital market as a vital engine of economic empowerment and wealth creation, noting that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, alongside the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the sector has been repositioned as a “public square of prosperity for all” rather than a privilege reserved for a few elites.
He outlined reforms that have reshaped the investment landscape, including the dematerialization of shares, expansion of retail investor participation, introduction of innovative asset classes, strengthened collaborations with FinTech firms, and reduced approval time for securities. According to him, these measures are designed to deepen inclusion, democratize access to wealth, and strengthen investor confidence.
Additional initiatives, Agama noted, include improved corporate governance, adoption of global best practices in fund valuation, sustained campaigns against fraudulent Ponzi schemes, and a stronger push for financial literacy. “These are not just regulatory updates; they are the building blocks of a financial democracy,” he said.
The SEC boss emphasized that every Nigerian, regardless of location or profession, has a role to play in this new financial order. “From the civil servant in Makurdi to the tech entrepreneur in Yaba, the farmer in Kano, and the fisherman in Yenagoa—every Nigerian can now have a stake in the commanding heights of our economy,” Agama declared.
He described financial independence as the cornerstone of dignity and prosperity, noting that investments in stocks and bonds provide citizens with tangible stakes in national growth. “When you buy a share, you become a part-owner of a Nigerian company. When you invest in a bond, you are helping to fund the infrastructure that will power our future. This is the new face of patriotism,” he added.
Agama urged Nigerians to prioritize financial literacy, embrace consistent investment, and adopt long-term strategies that build sustainable wealth while fueling enterprise and infrastructure development. He insisted that capital market participation should be seen as a patriotic duty that strengthens the economy and secures future generations.
“As we celebrate 65 years of nationhood, let us embrace this powerful tool for wealth creation. The growth of our economy must mirror the growth of our citizens’ financial independence,” he concluded.
His message underscored a vision of shared prosperity, positioning the capital market not just as a financial system but as a national platform where Nigerians can collectively own, build, and sustain their economic future.
