SEC DG Vows Stricter Clampdown On Ponzi Schemes In 2025

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to intensifying efforts against investment fraud, commonly known as Ponzi schemes, in 2025.

In his recent New Year message to the capital market community, Dr. Agama highlighted plans to revamp regulatory frameworks to enhance detection, prevention, and accountability of fraudulent investment schemes.

According to him, the SEC’s mandate to regulate and develop Nigeria’s capital market will remain a guiding principle in the year ahead. He emphasised the importance of mainstreaming the Nigerian capital market into the broader economy as a key priority.

“The SEC is positioned with a dual mandate in regulating and developing the capital market in Nigeria. Naturally, our top priority in 2025 will cut across this dual mandate. For us, mainstreaming the Nigerian capital market into the economy is very vital,” Dr. Agama stated.

On enforcement, the DG highlighted the critical role of decisive action in maintaining market integrity. He noted that the commission is revamping its investigative processes to improve efficiency and ensure that violators face appropriate consequences.

“Enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively. Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms,” he said.

Dr. Agama also stressed the importance of transparency in building investor confidence, pledging to introduce measures that would ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions.

The commodities market, he stated, remains a focal point for the SEC in 2025. Recognising Nigeria’s agrarian strengths, Dr. Agama expressed the commission’s determination to leverage the nation’s agricultural resources for sustainable economic growth.

“Nigeria is purely an agrarian nation, and taking that comparative advantage to the next level is something the SEC is proud to be a part of. This year, we will focus on reinforcing the legal and regulatory structures that support growth so we can create a solid foundation for a vibrant commodities ecosystem—be it soft or hard commodities,” he said.

He further emphasised the abundance of commodities across Nigeria and pledged that the SEC would remain a steadfast partner in national development.

Looking ahead, Dr. Agama assured stakeholders that the SEC’s strategic direction would prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of market development reach every Nigerian within the capital market ecosystem.