SEC To Teach State Governments on Capital Market Investment Opportunities 

In a bid to unlock economic potential and drive wealth creation across Nigeria’s states, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to embark on an investor education initiative targeted at state governments.

The move is aimed at enhancing their understanding of capital market opportunities, financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks.

The Director General of SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, revealed this plan during a recent meeting with representatives from the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Abuja over the weekend.

He emphasised that many state governments are unaware of the financial opportunities available to them, particularly in the capital market, which could be leveraged to fund key projects, attract investments, and boost economic development.

Dr. Agama highlighted the untapped potential in several states, stressing that with the right investment strategies, state governments could establish industries, create jobs, and generate foreign exchange through export-oriented production. He noted that many states possess immense natural resources and economic assets that remain largely underutilised, simply because they lack the necessary financial literacy and exposure to capital market instruments.

To bridge this gap, SEC plans to engage directly with state executive councils, beginning with a state in northern Nigeria. The commission will provide educational resources such as guides, reports, and policy briefs that simplify complex financial concepts into practical insights. These materials will also feature case studies of Nigerian states that have successfully raised capital through bonds or attracted investments via the capital market.

Dr. Agama reiterated that SEC’s core mandate includes investor education, and the commission will work diligently to help states harness their assets for sustainable economic growth. He stressed that by equipping state governments with the right financial knowledge, SEC aims to shift the narrative, ensuring that states can effectively manage their resources and leverage capital market tools to fund critical infrastructure and development projects.

Also speaking at the meeting, Mr. Tom Ceusters, Director of Treasury Market Operations at IFC, stated that the World Bank Group and IFC were on a two-week mission in Nigeria to engage with financial sector regulators and organisations. Their discussions aim to develop strategic plans to support the country’s economic growth efforts and strengthen its financial markets.