January 06, (THEWILL) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said it will step up enforcement of market rules in 2026, following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, aimed at strengthening investor confidence and market integrity.
The Investment and Securities Act 2025 modernises Nigeria’s capital market regulations, enhancing investor protection and regulatory oversight while aligning with global standards
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this while outlining the Commission’s regulatory priorities, noting that the new law has expanded the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement powers.
Agama said the Commission would apply these powers “firmly and impartially” to address market abuse, insider dealing, fraudulent investment schemes, and other forms of misconduct in the capital market.
He stressed that enforcement actions will be guided by due process and the rule of law, adding that predictable and consistent regulation remains critical to building trust among investors.
“With the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement framework has been strengthened. In 2026, the Commission will continue to apply these powers firmly and impartially”, he said.
He explained that the SEC’s enforcement push forms part of broader measures to strengthen market integrity, efficiency, and resilience, adding that confidence in the capital market depends on effective supervision and the consistent application of rules.
Beyond enforcement, the Commission, he stated, plans to advance regulatory efficiency through digitalisation, including streamlined approvals, automated filings, and improved disclosure processes.
“These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary frictions, improve regulatory responsiveness, and enhance transparency across the market”, he emphasised.
Agama also said the SEC would introduce enhanced disclosure standards, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, alongside a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries to ensure financial resilience and sound risk management.
On investor protection, the Director-General reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to balancing broader market access with strong safeguards, particularly for retail investors and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The ISA was signed into law in March 2025 by President Bola Tinubu, repealing the previous ISA 2007. The new legislation introduces significant reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s capital market and ensuring compliance with international standards set by the International Organisations of Securities Commissions (IOSCO).
Sam Diala is a Bloomberg Certified Financial Journalist with over a decade of experience in reporting Business and Economy. He is Business Editor at THEWILL Newspaper, and believes that work, not wishes, creates wealth.
