Sustainable Finance Redefines Investment Landscape, Says SEC DG Emomotimi Agama
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has emphasized that the global shift toward sustainable finance is transforming how investment decisions are made, influencing corporate governance, and reshaping risk management across markets. He urged Nigeria’s capital market to embrace sustainability principles to remain competitive and relevant in the evolving global financial system.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Abuja, Agama described sustainability as more than a passing trend, calling it a global imperative that transcends technology and ethics. He noted that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards now guide how investors allocate capital, emphasizing responsibility and long-term impact over short-term gain.
Agama highlighted the SEC’s proactive measures to align Nigeria’s capital market with international sustainability standards, including the adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework and the Green Bond Programme. He added that ongoing collaborations with development partners are paving the way for a financial ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon and inclusive economy.
He further called on stockbrokers and other market operators to champion sustainable finance by promoting ESG-compliant products, advising companies on responsible disclosures, and guiding investors toward ethical and environmentally sound assets. According to Agama, the SEC’s continued partnership with the CIS—particularly in professional training, investor education, and financial literacy—has already begun to yield tangible benefits for the market.
Reaffirming his commitment to economic transformation, Agama stressed that a vibrant capital market is key to building a trillion-dollar Nigerian economy. He said the market must fund critical infrastructure, empower small businesses, and support green and digital enterprises. Commending the resilience of market operators despite economic headwinds, Agama concluded that “the Nigerian capital market must not only keep pace with global change but lead by example—through innovation, ethics, and sustainability that deliver lasting prosperity for all.”
source: punch