SEC DG urges capital market to embrace sustainable finance
By Patience Ikpeme
The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has called on Nigeria’s capital market operators to fully embrace sustainable finance practices in line with global trends, warning that failure to do so could undermine the market’s competitiveness and relevance in the evolving financial landscape.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Abuja, Dr. Agama said sustainability has become a global imperative that now shapes investment decisions and capital allocation around the world. He explained that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are redefining responsible investment and the role of financial markets in supporting inclusive growth.
“Sustainability is no longer just about technology or ethics; it is about survival in a global economy that rewards responsibility and transparency,” he said. “Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors now influence where capital flows, how businesses grow, and how nations are perceived in the international financial system.”
Dr. Agama disclosed that the SEC has taken several steps to align Nigeria’s capital market with global sustainability standards, noting that the Commission is implementing reforms and frameworks that will position the market as a driver of green and inclusive growth.
“In line with this, the Commission has taken bold steps to align our market with global sustainability standards,” he stated. “Through initiatives such as the adoption of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework, the Green Bond Programme, and our collaboration with development partners, we are laying the groundwork for a financial system that supports the transition of our country to a low-carbon, inclusive economy.”
He urged stockbrokers and other market operators to promote sustainable investment products, guide issuers on ESG disclosures, and steer investors toward responsible assets that deliver long-term value.
According to him, the SEC and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers share a common vision of building a capital market that mobilises domestic savings for productive investment, fosters job creation, and drives economic diversification.
Dr. Agama noted that the ongoing collaboration between both institutions in professional certification, investor education, financial literacy, and policy advocacy continues to strengthen the market’s foundation.
“Yet, we must do even more,” he added. “The task ahead is to ensure that the capital market becomes central to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda — a market that finances infrastructure, empowers MSMEs, supports green and digital enterprises, and contributes meaningfully to the realization of a trillion-dollar economy.”
The SEC boss commended the resilience and professionalism of stockbrokers and other market operators, acknowledging their contributions to maintaining confidence and stability despite prevailing economic challenges.
“Your commitment reflects the enduring strength of the Nigerian capital market and its immense potential to transform our nation’s economic landscape,” he said. “With the world changing fast, the Nigerian capital market must not only keep pace but lead by example.”
Dr. Agama urged stakeholders to remain focused on innovation, integrity, and sustainability as the key pillars for building a modern, transparent, and competitive market.
“Let us therefore recommit to innovation that empowers, ethics that endure, and sustainability that delivers long-term prosperity for all,” he concluded.
