Nigeria: Accountability, Transparency to Boost Investor Confidence - Agama

The director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency as critical tools for strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria's capital market.

Agama stated this while delivering a goodwill message at a stakeholder engagement on internal control over financial reporting in the public sector. The event, themed 'Strengthening Accounting and Transparency through ICRC', was organised by Smith Ighodalo Adewale Odiachi (SIAO) under the Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR), in collaboration with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), held in Abuja.

According to the SEC DG, proper internal control mechanisms over financial reporting are essential for market integrity and investor trust. "Internal control over our financial reporting is a critical part of disclosures. Whether in the securities market, for public companies, or other organisations, these controls strengthen accountability, transparency, and integrity within the financial system," he said.

Agama stated that investor confidence was closely tied to how transparent and accountable financial institutions and market operators are, saying, '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 disclosed, 'When investors see that management is committed to these principles, they are more likely to invest.'

Agama also spoke about the recent passage of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 25, describing it as a milestone in capital market reform.

He noted that "the ISA 2025 has introduced key reforms to foster a more transparent and efficient market. We are already seeing improved investor sentiment and increased confidence in the system." He stressed that the SEC is committed to professionalism and adherence to the law, and that these values are driving improvements in the market.

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