Timely, sound judgement on capital market issues will enhance confidence — Shettima
The Federal Government has stated that clear, prompt, and well-informed judicial decisions on capital market matters are essential to boosting investor confidence and attracting capital into the Nigerian economy.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known on Monday at a two-day workshop for judges, organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), in Abuja.
Shettima, represented by Dr Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, stressed that delays, inconsistencies, or lack of specialised understanding in adjudicating capital market disputes could introduce systemic risks and dissuade investment.
He noted that the capital market relies on the judiciary to interpret and enforce relevant laws and regulations, adding that a functional dispute resolution system must demonstrate speed, expertise, impartiality, and predictability.
“A strong, efficient, and credible capital market is foundational to achieving sustainable national economic transformation,” Shettima said.
He described the market not merely as a trading platform but as a vital mechanism for channelling long-term capital into productive ventures.
“It connects savers with investors, enabling business expansion, innovation, job creation, and funding for infrastructure and SMEs,” he added.
Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in remarks delivered by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Adah, described the workshop as a platform for reflection and growth.
She called on judges to keep pace with evolving financial instruments such as digital assets, cryptocurrency, green finance, and cross-border securities.
“The rulings we deliver in capital market disputes extend far beyond the courtroom. They influence public trust, investor behaviour, and the financial system’s stability. Sound, timely judgments foster innovation and inclusive prosperity,” she said.
Senator Osita Izunaso, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, noted that achieving the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target would depend on a robust capital market. He applauded SEC for organising the workshop and encouraged the commission to also engage the Nigerian Bar Association and the general public to deepen understanding of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025).
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, represented by Minister of State, Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the initiative demonstrated the SEC and NJI’s ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring neutrality within financial markets.
He commended SEC’s consistent alignment with global regulatory best practices, describing the capital market as central to attracting investment, fostering financial inclusion, and supporting entrepreneurship.
Justice Salisu Abdullahi, Administrator of the NJI, affirmed the institute’s dedication to providing forward-looking, rigorous training that responds to both ethical responsibilities and real-world judicial demands.
SEC Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said recent developments in capital market litigation had underscored the importance of judicial readiness. He explained that the workshop would incorporate practical case studies, encourage dialogue between judges, regulators, and market participants, and enhance the judiciary’s capacity to tackle complex financial crimes.
“We are grateful to the judiciary for its dedication to justice, and to all facilitators and attendees for contributing to this critical conversation. Let us ask questions, exchange insights, and work together to strengthen the legal framework of Nigeria’s capital market,” Agama said.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, called for deeper understanding among stakeholders regarding the complexities of virtual assets. He appealed for greater support from the judiciary in combating financial crime.
The workshop, themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution”, brought together senior judges, regulators, lawmakers, and finance experts to strengthen the judiciary’s role in capital market development.