By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, has reiterated his commitment to expanding Nigeria’s capital market to reach the excluded population, particularly those in the informal sector.
Speaking at the second edition of the United Capital Asset Management Investment Forum held in Lagos, Agama said, “We must create structured and simplified channels to bring excluded Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, into the capital market ecosystem.”
He emphasised that addressing financial illiteracy is not only a regulatory concern but a national imperative.
The event, themed “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap,” brought together key players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, including regulators, digital media practitioners, and financial educators.
While stressing that the capital market must reach Nigeria’s excluded majority, Agama highlighted reforms under the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
He said the Act is designed to strengthen market integrity, enhance investor protection, and broaden access to capital market opportunities.
“True financial inclusion goes beyond access; all Nigerians must be empowered with knowledge and confidence to build wealth and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” he added.
Group CEO, United Capital Plc, Peter Ashade, reiterated commitment to deepening financial inclusion.
“When we launched the inaugural edition, our goal was simple: to create space for meaningful engagement on the role of the capital market in building wealth and driving inclusive economic growth. Today, that goal remains the same, but the urgency is even greater,” he said.
Ashade noted that while access to basic financial services has improved significantly, participation in the capital market remains low, limiting the economic potential of a large segment of the population.
He urged all stakeholders, including competitors and regulators, to align efforts towards promoting inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Managing Director of United Capital Asset Management, Odiri Oginni, stressed the need to address Nigeria’s investment knowledge gap.
“What people need is the understanding of finance, the understanding of risks, investments, returns and diversification. For us as capital market operators, we need to go beyond product presentation, but to give people actual information that would help them manage their finances properly,” she said.
The second session of the forum featured insights from stakeholders, including Foyinsolami Akinjayeju, CEO of EFInA, who presented data-driven perspectives on financial inclusion.
During the panel sessions, the stakeholders discussed strategies to rebuild financial trust in underserved communities, develop investment products that reflect consumer needs, and leverage digital platforms to expand reach.
The role of the media in correcting misinformation and protecting Nigerians from Ponzi schemes also featured prominently in the discussions.
United Capital Asset Management, which manages over N1 trillion in assets and operates 10 mutual funds, used the forum to showcase its efforts in building accessible investment solutions.
The firm recently launched a Children Investment Fund, adding to its offerings aimed at women, ethical investors, and individuals seeking secure investment options.
Leave a comment