SEC Eyes $500bn from Dormant Commodities and Minerals to Boost Nigeria’s Economy

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, has revealed that Nigeria could unlock approximately $500 billion from dormant agricultural and mineral resources by transforming them into tradable securities. Speaking at a national workshop organized by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja, Agama emphasized the need to formalize commodities and warehouse receipts to deepen capital market activities and drive wealth creation.

Agama highlighted the strategic role of the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act, 2025, in enabling this transformation. He described the Act as a “game changer” that provides the SEC with expanded regulatory authority and tools to drive innovation and manage market expansion effectively. According to him, this legislative update dismantles outdated constraints, aligns Nigeria’s market with global best practices, and lays the groundwork for accelerated economic growth.

The DG projected that formalizing these dormant assets could significantly support Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy. He stated that the capital market, under this reformed legal framework, would be the primary catalyst for achieving this target. Agama urged stakeholders to shift the question from if Nigeria can achieve this milestone to how soon it can be realized.

Investor protection was another focal point of Agama’s remarks. He noted that the SEC now has stronger powers to tackle fraudulent investment schemes and that new mechanisms have been introduced to compensate investors for losses incurred from revoked dealer licenses. These measures, he said, are crucial in restoring public trust and encouraging greater participation in the financial market.

Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to market integrity, Agama emphasized that trust remains the most critical currency in the capital market. He concluded that the SEC’s focus will remain on creating a transparent and efficient financial system that supports sustainable economic growth and positions Nigeria as a leading player in the global economy.

Source: Punch