The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to prioritise the mobilisation of long-term capital to address Nigeria’s infrastructure and sectoral gaps, while streamlining regulatory frameworks and promoting innovative financial instruments to drive economic growth.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the SEC, Mr. Emomotimi Agama, in his New Year message.
According to Agama, the Commission will aggressively facilitate the issuance of infrastructure bonds, green bonds, municipal bonds and infrastructure-focused funds in 2026.
Agama said the initiative is aimed at attracting long-term domestic and international capital into critical sectors such as roads, power, rail, housing and digital infrastructure, while easing market access for state governments and infrastructure companies.
He further disclosed that the SEC will promote the listing of agribusiness firms and introduce tailored listing windows for agricultural cooperatives and value-chain companies.
Through commodity exchanges, agricultural investment trusts and commodities-linked financial instruments, the Commission aims to de-risk the agricultural sector, ensure fair pricing for farmers, strengthen food security and expand Nigerians’ participation in the sector.
The SEC boss also said the Commission will drive the revitalisation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and introduce innovative affordable housing bonds to unlock capital for mass housing delivery and bring more Nigerians closer to homeownership.
In addition, Agama noted that the SEC is reviewing its rules to incentivise listings by small and medium-scale enterprises, with a focus on manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical and finished goods sectors.
He said the provision of patient capital through the capital market would help revive factories, reduce import dependency, create jobs and position “Made in Nigeria” products competitively in global markets.
On the power sector, Agama said the Commission will support investment through infrastructure bonds, green energy bonds, project-backed securities and public-private investment vehicles. These measures, he explained, will help unlock long-term capital for grid expansion, renewable energy projects, embedded power solutions and energy transition initiatives.
As the new year begins, the SEC Director-General said the Commission is embracing an opportunity to redefine the role of the Nigerian capital market as a solution provider for the country’s most pressing economic and developmental challenges.
“We look back at a year of transformation and look forward to a future where our capital market becomes the definitive solution provider for Nigeria’s most pressing economic and developmental needs,” he said.