SEC Chief Wins Re-election to IOSCO Regional Board
By Patience Ikpeme
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria has secured a continued leadership role on the international stage following the re-election of its Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, as the Vice Chair of the Africa/Middle-East Regional Committee (AMERC).
The confirmation, issued by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), extends Dr. Agama’s tenure for a second term spanning 2026 to 2028. This development ensures that Nigeria maintains its influential seat on the IOSCO Board, the primary decision-making body for global securities regulation.
Established in 1983, IOSCO functions as the global standard-setter for the securities sector, with a membership base that regulates more than 95 per cent of the world’s securities markets across over 100 jurisdictions. The organization is widely regarded as the most significant international policy forum for financial regulators.
The renewal of Nigeria’s leadership mandate reflects a growing international consensus regarding the strategic importance of the Nigerian capital market. It signals a high level of confidence among peer regulators in the country’s regulatory trajectory and its dedication to stabilizing capital market systems within the region.
By retaining the Vice Chairmanship of AMERC, Nigeria remains positioned at the heart of global financial diplomacy. The role allows the country to participate directly in shaping the regulatory frameworks and cross-border cooperation protocols that dictate the flow of international capital. This presence ensures that the specific economic priorities and market experiences of Nigeria are integrated into the broader global financial discourse.
Speaking on the significance of the appointment, Dr. Agama noted that the position transcends mere title or representation. He explained that the role serves as a functional tool for improving the domestic market through international synergy.
“Beyond representation, this development enhances Nigeria’s ability to contribute meaningfully to global regulatory dialogue, particularly in areas such as enforcement cooperation, market integrity, and investor protection,” Dr. Agama stated.
He further noted that the position provides a robust mechanism for addressing complex financial challenges that cross national borders. According to the Director-General, “It creates a stronger platform for collaboration with other jurisdictions on cross-border regulatory issues, including tackling illicit financial flows and strengthening supervisory frameworks.”
The SEC leadership views this milestone as a catalyst for domestic reform. The commission intends to use the elevated platform to further align the Nigerian capital market with international best practices, a move expected to attract higher levels of foreign investment and bolster local investor confidence.
“The role further supports ongoing efforts to align Nigeria’s capital market with international best practices, fostering greater investor confidence and facilitating increased participation in global financial markets,” Dr. Agama added.
As the 2026–2028 term begins, the SEC has pledged to focus on building a more resilient and transparent ecosystem. The commission maintains that its involvement at the highest levels of IOSCO will ultimately support sustainable economic growth and deeper market integration across the Africa and Middle East regions.
Dr. Agama concluded by stating that the milestone “reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading voice in regional and global capital market development,” noting that the SEC remains dedicated to utilizing the opportunity to advance regulatory excellence.
