The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to declare their compliance level and ensure that all tradable instruments are registered in line with the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 by January 2026. The move aims to strengthen regulation and protect investors in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, SEC’s Director-General, made the announcement at the commission’s Journalists’ Academy 2025 in Lagos, themed “The ISA 2025 and The Future of Nigeria’s Capital Market: Innovation, Protection, and Growth.” He emphasised that anyone offering tradable instruments must register them with the SEC within the specified timeframe.
Represented by the Commissioner of Operations, Bola Ajomale, Agama highlighted that the ISA 2025 is designed to serve as a robust foundation for a deeper, more efficient, and globally competitive capital market. “The ISA 2025 is more than a replacement for the 2007 Act; it positions Nigeria’s capital market for a rapidly changing world,” he said.
The new Act also clarifies the SEC’s regulatory mandate, explicitly outlining its objectives, functions, and powers, including investor protection, market transparency, and prevention of unlawful practices. Agama noted that the enhanced clarity strengthens regulatory authority, improves enforcement, and aligns the commission’s work with national economic goals.
Agama further stated that the ISA 2025 expands SEC’s investigative capacity to include regulated entities and, where necessary, third parties involved in complex financial schemes. He described the reform as essential to address challenges from digital trading, fintech platforms, virtual assets, and systemic risks, while aligning Nigeria’s capital market with international standards.
source: Leadership