SEC DG: Accountability and Transparency are Key to Investor Confidence
By Patience Ikpeme
The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has said that accountability and transparency are essential for building investor confidence in Nigeria’s capital market. He made the statement during a stakeholder engagement on internal control over financial reporting in the public sector.
The event, which was organized by SIAO in collaboration with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), focused on strengthening accounting and transparency.
Dr. Agama said that proper internal control mechanisms are vital for market integrity and investor trust. “Internal control over our financial reporting is a critical part of disclosures,” he stated.
“Whether in the securities market, for public companies, or other organizations, these controls strengthen accountability, transparency, and integrity within the financial system” he said.
Dr. Agama said investor confidence is directly linked to the level of transparency and accountability demonstrated by financial institutions and market operators. “For investors, what matters is knowing that there is accountability, that people are doing what they ought to do, and stewardship is being upheld,” he said. “When investors see that management is committed to these principles, they are more likely to invest.”
He also spoke about the new Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, which was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 25. Dr. Agama described the new law as a significant achievement in capital market reform.
“The ISA 2025 has introduced key reforms aimed at fostering a more transparent and efficient market, we are already seeing improved investor sentiment and increased confidence in the system” he noted.
Agama added that the SEC, under his leadership, is committed to professionalism and a strict adherence to the law, which is leading to improvements in the market.
