The Federal Government has applauded the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) for championing advocacy efforts aimed at steering Nigeria toward a $1 trillion economy through deeper engagement with capital market opportunities. The commendation was made by Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, at the 29th Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference held over the weekend in Abuja.
Hadejia praised the Institute’s forward-looking vision and described the $1 trillion GDP target as both ambitious and achievable with the right collaboration among government, regulators, and market operators. “We commend the CIS for its leadership and partnership in building a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian economy. The capital market remains one of the most powerful engines for sustainable economic transformation,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), highlighted the progress made under the Capital Market Master Plan (2015–2025) and the roadmap to 2035. Representing the Ministers of Finance, Agama emphasized that reforms such as Risk-Based Supervision (RBS), the National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF), and digital tools like e-Dividend and Direct Cash Settlement have strengthened investor confidence and market transparency. He, however, called for faster enforcement actions to curb market misconduct.
The CIS President, Oluropo Dada, spoke on the convergence of technology, ethics, and sustainability as forces shaping global markets, noting that innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and fintech are redefining the future of finance. “Since the COVID-19 disruptions, Nigeria’s capital market has delivered some of the highest verified returns globally. With collaboration and innovation, we can reposition the economy for double-digit growth,” Dada stated.
The conference also recognized excellence within the profession, conferring Fellowship status on 48 distinguished members, including former Nigerian Stock Exchange spokesman Sola Oni, while 220 new associates were inducted. In separate goodwill messages, Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group Plc, and Sam Onukwue, Chairman of ASHON, stressed the importance of sustainability, clear regulation, and innovative financial products as pillars for driving investor confidence and long-term growth in Nigeria’s capital market.
source: Business day