Amanze Chinonye
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered all Capital Market Operators (CMOs) in Nigeria to declare their compliance status and ensure that every tradable instrument under their management is fully registered with the Commission by January 2026.
The directive is part of the implementation of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 (ISA 2025), designed to strengthen regulation and protect investors across the nation’s capital market.
Speaking at the Commission’s “Journalists’ Academy 2025” in Lagos, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama said: “Anyone selling a tradable instrument must identify with the Commission and ensure its registration within the stipulated period.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe described ISA 2025 as “a forward-looking instrument designed to reposition Nigeria’s capital market for a rapidly changing world,” and noted that the law provides “a powerful foundation for the capital market Nigeria needs and deserves: deep, efficient, innovative, and globally competitive.”
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Agama explained that the Act significantly expands the SEC’s enforcement powers, enabling the Commission to investigate and sanction not only regulated entities but also third parties involved in unregistered or fraudulent market activities. “This closes a major loophole that hindered previous investigations into market abuse and complex financial schemes,” he added.
Highlighting the growing influence of fintech platforms, digital trading, and virtual assets, SEC Commissioner of Operations Bola Ajomale emphasized: “All digital and virtual tradable instruments must now be registered under the new Act to ensure that investors are protected and market participants operate within the law.”
The SEC has directed CMOs and issuers of tradable instruments to publicly confirm their compliance and submit registration details before the January 2026 deadline. Failure to comply will render operators illegal, exposing them to sanctions or possible closure.
Industry analysts say the SEC’s directive represents one of the most comprehensive overhauls of Nigeria’s capital market in nearly two decades.
They believe that mandatory registration of all instruments, including digital and virtual assets, will enhance transparency, build investor confidence, and reduce the risk of market abuses.
The SEC reiterated that the January 2026 deadline is final, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to creating a transparent, well-regulated, and investor-friendly capital market.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
