Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama has hailed Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, describing it as a clear reflection of the country’s renewed policy direction and commitment to transparency.

FATF on Friday announced the delisting of Nigeria from its grey list of countries with deficiencies in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Dr. Agama, said the development would significantly enhance investor confidence and attract more foreign investments.

“It means so much for us in the capital market; it means so much for us in the financial system. It brings about something that we have been craving for – investor confidence

“The release of Nigeria from the FATF grey list means that investor confidence would be boosted. Delisting from that grey list sends a very strong signal to investors and trading partners that Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and countering of financing of terrorism regulations,” Agama said.

He described the delisting as a “welcome call to new investments,” saying it would further strengthen productivity and growth in the Nigerian economy.

After implementing a 19-point action plan, the FATF removed Nigeria from the list more than two years later, acknowledging the country’s progress in tightening its AML/CFT framework.

Agama described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards economic reform, institutional integrity, and global credibility and commended the Mrs. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and her team for their diligence in implementing the country’s action plan.

According to him, “The NFIU was in the fore front of this initiative and we commend their commitment which has earned Nigeria global recognition for its strengthened institutional framework to tackle financial crimes”

He also praised the efforts of the National Security Adviser, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministers of Aviation, Budget and Economic Planning, Defense, Foreign Affairs, Solid Minerals, and State for Finance, as well as the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary.

Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), through its regulatory subsidiary, Nigerian Exchange Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo), has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial inclusion and deepening retail investor participation following the successful FinTribe Finance Fair 2025, which convened over 9,000 women focused on wealth creation and capital market opportunities.

The event, organized by FinTribe, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing women’s finance communities, has become a leading platform for promoting financial literacy and building investment confidence among women. NGX RegCo’s participation, through its flagship EquipHER initiative, featured interactive sessions that demystified capital market concepts and empowered women to make informed investment decisions.

“You have what it takes to step into greater capability and control over your financial agenda,” said Olufemi Shobanjo, Chief Executive Officer, NGX RegCo. “The same mindset that drives you to start a business, buy a home, or save for your child’s education, to plan, commit, and follow through, is exactly what makes women exceptional investors.”

Commending FinTribe for its sustained commitment to financial education, Shobanjo emphasized that the Nigerian capital market offers practical frameworks for translating financial discipline into purposeful wealth-building strategies. “Financial inclusion begins with awareness,” he affirmed. “When women understand how the market works, they can own their financial futures and build sustainable wealth.”

In alignment with these educational efforts, NGX Group’s technology-driven innovations are lowering barriers to market entry. The Group’s digital investment platform, NGX Invest, enables investors to participate in public offers and rights issues directly from their smart devices, bridging awareness with active market participation.

Jennifer Awirigwe, founder of FinTribe and popularly known as Financial Jennifer, commended the collaboration for driving meaningful impact. “Our partnership with NGX RegCo through EquipHER has created a bridge between knowledge and action,” she stated. “Women are not just learning about finance, they are taking ownership of their financial journeys and inspiring others to do the same. It’s equipping her, not in words, but in action.”

During an interactive Q&A session, Shobanjo addressed questions on share ownership transfers, portfolio management, and investment process navigation, encouraging participants to engage licensed stockbrokers and financial advisers for transparency and efficiency. “It can seem overwhelming at first,” he acknowledged. “But with the right professional guidance, investors can easily navigate the process and take control of their holdings.”

Throughout the fair, the EquipHER booth became a hub of engagement, attracting participants eager to learn how to initiate or expand their investment portfolios.

This initiative complements NGX Group’s broader retail engagement strategy, aimed at deepening participation in Nigeria’s capital market. Recently, the Exchange participated in a public lecture at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, themed “Harnessing the Capital Market for Catalyzing Infrastructure Development and Economic Transformation in Nigeria,” reinforcing NGX’s conviction that an informed and engaged public is essential to sustainable economic growth and inclusion.

Through initiatives such as EquipHER and regional retail engagements across Nigeria, NGX Group continues to build a more inclusive, informed, and empowered investor base, reflecting its vision to deepen market participation across gender, geography, and generation.

Access Holdings Plc (“the Group” or “the Company”) today announced its half-year audited financial results for the period ended June 30, 2025.

The Group’s financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2025, reflect the resilience of our business model, the diversification of our revenue streams, and the steady progress to the execution of our five-year strategic plan.

Gross earnings increased by 13.8% year-on-year to ₦2.5 trillion in H1 2025 from ₦2.2 trillion in H1 2024, driven by strong growth in interest income which increased by 38.9% year-on-year to ₦2.0 trillion from ₦1.5 billion in H1 2024.

Net interest income also increased by 91.8% year-on-year to ₦984.6 billion in H1 2025 from ₦513.4 billion in H1 2024.

Complementing this performance was a growth in net fees and commission income, which increased by 16.1% year-on-year to ₦237.7billion in H1 2025 from ₦204.7 billion in H1 2024.

Profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) closed at ₦320.6 billion and ₦215.9 billion respectively underscoring the strength and resilience of our business model in the markets we operate in.

Key balance sheet indicators remain strong with total assets, customer deposits, loans and advances, and shareholders’ equity closing at ₦42.4 trillion, ₦22.9 trillion, ₦13.2 trillion ₦3.8 trillion respectively.

The Banking group demonstrated resilient performance in H1 2025. Interest income grew by 38.7% year-on-year to ₦2.0 trillion in H1 2025 from ₦1.5 trillion in H1 2024. Net interest income increased by 85%, from ₦536.7 billion in H1 2024 to ₦992.7 billion in H1 2025. Fee and commission income increased by 27% to ₦294.9 in H1 2025 from ₦232.5 billion in H1 2024 driven by increased transaction volumes. Profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) closed at ₦303.0 billion and ₦199.3 billion respectively.

Banking group subsidiaries contributed 65% to the Banking group’s profit before tax (PBT) in H1 2025. This result highlights our journey towards sustainable performance and execution across our key African and international markets.

The Group’s non-banking subsidiaries maintained a strong growth momentum. For Access – ARM Pensions, financial performance was robust, with revenue up 29.9% to ₦21.0 billion and profit before tax up 65.1% to ₦13.1 billion. The business delivered a solid ROAE of 48.1%, a cost-to-income ratio of 35.1%, and a PBT margin of 62.5%, underscoring strong operational efficiency and profitability.

Hydrogen Payments recorded a 40.5% growth in top-line revenue compared to H1
2024. Profit before tax (PBT) grew by 273% year-on-year. The total transaction value processed increased by 211%, reaching ₦41.1 trillion in H1 2025, up from ₦13.8 trillion in H1 2024.

Access Insurance Brokers has sustained strong momentum, recording a 125% year-on-year increase in gross written premium, 146% growth in revenue, and a 161% improvement in profit before tax (PBT).

Oxygen X, the Group’s digital lending arm, has sustained strong momentum since launch in Q3 2024, delivering ₦5.4 billion in revenue and ₦2.2 billion in profit before tax in H1 2025.

Access Holdings’ businesses are well-positioned to deepen market penetration, expand product offerings, and leverage cross-sell opportunities across the Group to drive continued growth and profitability.

The group’s focus remains on driving prudent growth and continued execution of its strategic priorities, scaling its digital and transaction-led income streams, increasing revenue diversification, embedding efficiency, innovation, and disciplined portfolio management across all areas of the business. It will also continue to uphold the highest standards of risk and governance discipline to ensure sustainable profitability.

Access Holdings remains confident that it will continue to deliver sustainable value and returns to its shareholders. Its long-term objective is to build a stronger, more agile Group that consistently delivers superior returns, fosters innovation-driven growth, and optimises portfolio performance to create inclusive value across its markets while reaffirming investor confidence in the strength and future of Access Holdings.

The Group appreciates the continued trust and support of its shareholders, customers, and employees. Together, the Group is building a stronger future.

Amaka Obiefuna

The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama has said that the global shift towards sustainable finance is redefining investment decisions, corporate governance and risk management, adding that Nigeria’s capital market must adapt to remain competitive and relevant.

Speaking at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja, Dr. Agama described sustainability as a global imperative that goes beyond technology and ethics, noting that environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are now shaping responsible investment and capital allocation across the world.

“In line with this, the Commission has taken bold steps to align our market with global sustainability standards. 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 stated.

He stressed that stockbrokers and other market operators have a critical role to play by promoting sustainable investment products, advising issuers on ESG disclosures and guiding investors towards responsible assets.

According to him, the SEC and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) share a common vision of building a capital market that mobilises savings for productive investment, creates jobs and drives economic diversification.

He pointed out that the SEC’s “partnership with the Institute in areas such as professional certification, investor education, financial literacy, and policy advocacy continues to yield positive results.

“Yet, we must do even more. 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.”

He commended the resilience and professionalism of market operators despite challenging conditions, saying it reflects the enduring strength of the Nigerian capital market and its potential to transform the nation’s economic landscape.

“With the world changing fast, the Nigerian capital market must not only keep pace but lead by example,” he added. “Let us therefore recommit to innovation that empowers, ethics that endure, and sustainability that delivers long-term prosperity for all.”

The Securities and Exchange Commisison has urged stockbrokers to uphold the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct at all times in a bid to ensure a fair and transparent market.

Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this weekend during the 29th annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja, said investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

Agama said the theme of this year’s conference: “Capital Markets in a Digital, Ethical, Sustainable Era: Pathways for Economic Transformation” is timely as it speaks directly to the global transition where technology drives innovation, where ethics anchor trust, and where sustainability defines the future of finance.

“These three dimensions—digitalization, ethics, and sustainability—are not separate pillars; they form the foundation of a modern, inclusive, and resilient capital markets.

“Across the world, capital markets are being reshaped by technological innovation. The digital era has introduced new possibilities—from online trading platforms and digital assets to data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. These innovations are changing how we raise capital, how we invest, and how we supervise.

The SEC Boss stated that the Commission has embraced this transformation as an opportunity to enhance efficiency, transparency, and investor protection adding that ongoing efforts to strengthen market surveillance systems, automate regulatory processes, and introduce risk-based supervision frameworks are all aimed at positioning the Nigerian capital market for the realities of a digital economy.

He said, “We are also actively engaging with stakeholders: including the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, to deepen digital literacy and capacity-building across the market. As technology evolves, so must our skills, our ethics, and our shared commitment to fairness and professionalism.

“No amount of innovation can replace the foundational importance of ethics. A truly transformative capital market must be builton integrity, transparency, and accountability.

He said the CIS has remained a key partner in this regard, setting professional standards and upholding the code of ethics that define the stockbroking profession.

“As regulators, we continue to emphasize that professionalism and ethical conduct are non-negotiable. Investors must have full confidence that the intermediaries who manage their wealth are guided by the highest standards of honesty and competence.

“Together, the SEC and the CIS must continue to strengthen ethics education, continuous professional development, and disciplinary frameworks to ensure that the market remains a place of trust”. He added.

……… Over 40m small businesses To Benefit From Improved Financing Options

Amaka Obiefuna

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving access to long-term financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the Nigerian capital market.

The partnership is designed to create alternative sources of capital for the country’s over 40 million registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), helping them grow, create jobs, and contribute to the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said the initiative would open new funding routes for SMEs and integrate them into the capital market ecosystem.

“Capital is the bedrock of any company. Today we have about 40 million Small and Medium Enterprises that are duly registered with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria and it is important that as a capital market, we are able to find a route for these small and Medium Scale enterprises to be able to raise capital for sustainability.

“We also want to bring them on board the pipeline of listed companies in Nigeria where they will be able to democratize wealth and share a part of their institutions with Nigerians making sure that development is faster and to lead to the growth of the economy,” he stated.

He added that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on employment, growth, development, and production, describing it as a critical step toward achieving the administration’s trillion-dollar economy vision.

On his part, SMEDAN Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii, said the MoU would enable small businesses to overcome the high cost and scarcity of capital by leveraging the capital market.

“Capital in this part of the world is very expensive and scarce,” Odii said. “Through this collaboration, we are creating another source of financing for our medium-scale businesses. We have set ourselves a target of at least 1,000 SMEs listing on the capital market. This will galvanize growth, create wealth, and reduce unemployment in Nigeria.”

The agreement between the two agencies seeks to deepen the integration of MSMEs into the formal financial system and help them meet regulatory and governance standards required for market participation.

Among its major benefits, the MoU will improve access to long-term financing by supporting qualifying MSMEs to raise funds through equity or debt securities under SEC regulations. It also provides for capacity building, as both agencies will organize training and awareness programs to educate SMEs on capital market participation, financial literacy, and corporate governance.

In addition, the SEC will contribute to SMEDAN’s five-year strategic policy framework to promote inclusive financing and SME-friendly capital market policies. SMEDAN, on its part, will identify and encourage qualifying SMEs to list on recognized exchanges, expanding their access to funding and business growth opportunities.

The collaboration will also facilitate debt market participation by guiding creditworthy SMEs to issue debt securities to qualified investors, thereby widening their financing options beyond traditional bank loans. Both institutions will jointly organize a three-day national SME conference to engage stakeholders, promote market opportunities, and drive policy discussions.

The MoU further provides for the establishment of a Joint Working Group (JWG) to monitor implementation, as well as mechanisms for data sharing in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has said that Nigeria’s transition to a T+2 settlement cycle in the capital market will significantly enhance market efficiency, reduce risks, and strengthen investor confidence.

Speaking at a Trade Associations Roundtable on “Ensuring Stakeholder Readiness for T+2 Settlement” held in Abuja on Wednesday, Agama said the migration from the current T+3 to T+2 cycle represents a strategic step toward aligning Nigeria’s capital market with global best practices.

According to him, the move is not just a technical reform but a major milestone that will make the Nigerian market more competitive and resilient.

He said: “A shorter settlement cycle is a hallmark of a mature, dynamic, and
competitive market. It directly addresses several key objectives: It significantly reduces counterparty risk and
market exposure. The less time between trade execution and final settlement, the lower the potential for a default to ripple
through the system.

“It boosts market liquidity by returning
capital to investors more quickly, allowing for its redeployment and fostering greater market activity. It aligns our market with international best practices, enhancing our attractiveness to foreign investment
and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in the global financial arena.

“Ultimately, a more efficient and safer settlement system strengthens the bedrock of our market—investor confidence”.

Dr. Agama explained that by shortening the time between trade execution and final settlement, the T+2 system will lower market exposure and minimize the potential for defaults, adding that faster settlement would improve liquidity by returning capital to investors sooner, enabling them to reinvest and contribute to greater market activity.

He noted that many advanced markets are already moving toward T+1 settlements, adding that Nigeria must continue to evolve to remain globally relevant.

“The global financial landscape is constantly changing, driven by technology and investor demand for efficiency. The transition to T+2 is, therefore, a strategic imperative to keep our market competitive and future-ready,” he said.

The SEC boss emphasized that the success of the transition depends on the collective readiness of all market participants — from brokers and custodians to clearing houses and investors. He urged trade associations to take a leading role in preparing their members for the operational and technological changes that the new system will require.

“Your readiness and that of your members is the single most important determinant of our success. This means recalibrating back-office operations, upgrading technology systems, streamlining settlement processes, and ensuring that all market participants are informed and prepared,” he said.

Dr. Agama assured stakeholders that the Commission would work closely with trade associations, market operators, and Financial Market Infrastructures such as the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the Central Securities Clearing System to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition.

He said the Commission would also intensify investor education and awareness campaigns to ensure that all market participants understand the implications and benefits of the change.

“The move to T+2 is a necessary leap forward for the Nigerian capital market. It is a testament to our collective ambition to build a market that is efficient, resilient, and globally competitive,” he stated.

Agama called on stakeholders to engage constructively and collaboratively to identify potential bottlenecks, share best practices, and agree on a clear roadmap for implementation.

He reaffirmed SEC’s commitment to providing the necessary regulatory support and guidance, urging all market participants to work together to make the T+2 transition a “resounding success and a proud milestone” for Nigeria’s financial markets.

Access Bank Plc has taken a major step toward seamless intra-African payments with the recent integration of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) into its flagship mobile application, AccessMore. This strategic move underscores Access Bank’s commitment to enhancing cross-border payment experiences for its customers across the continent.

To mark the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS, Mike Ogbalu III, paid a courtesy visit to the Bank’s head office in Lagos, where he held high-level discussions with Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, and Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director for African Subsidiaries at Access Bank. The discussions centered on deepening collaboration and optimizing the capabilities of PAPSS within the AccessMore ecosystem to deliver real-time, cost-effective, and secure cross-border transactions.

Speaking on the partnership, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank said, “The integration of PAPSS into the AccessMore app is a significant milestone in our mission to unify Africa’s payment landscape. With Access Bank’s extensive footprint across the continent, this collaboration ensures that millions of our customers can now experience fast, efficient, and transparent cross-border payments like never before.

Our goal is to leverage what we are building together to unlock innovations that seamlessly connect the continent, and we are delighted to partner with PAPSS in making this vision a reality”

Mike Ogbalu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), commenting on the collaboration said, “Our partnership with Access Bank is a game-changer for cross-border trade and payments across Africa. With the integration of PAPSS on AccessMore, we are enabling customers, individuals, SMEs, and corporates alike to transact effortlessly across borders, thereby supporting the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
We’ve created a rail, and Access Bank has the network and customers. Within that, our rail can be used for all sorts of innovations. Access Bank can create products that we can carry on our network for every customer to use”.

Also speaking on the broader strategy, Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries at Access Bank, commented, “Access Bank’s vision is to be the world’s most respected African bank, and collaborations like this are essential to achieving that. By embedding PAPSS into AccessMore, we’re unlocking a new era of financial connectivity for our customers across our subsidiaries in over a dozen African markets.

PAPSS is significantly cost effective for cross border transactions, which makes it a highly valuable opportunity. To fully harness its potential, we need greater communication, stronger engagement, and coordinated rollouts across multiple countries at the same time. With the right momentum, we can accelerate adoption and achiever the scale this innovation deserves.”

This partnership between Access Bank and PAPSS is a step forward in realizing a fully interconnected Africa, where payments and trade move without friction. Customers can now enjoy a simplified, reliable, and faster method to send and receive money across African borders—directly from their AccessMore app.

The Access Bank Payments and Remittances Group manages AccessAfrica — the Bank’s proprietary cross-border payments platform — and oversees all remittance activities between Access Bank’s subsidiaries and international money transfer partners. At the core of its operations, AccessAfrica simplifies global transactions with speed, affordability, and reliability.

Currently available in Nigeria and 11 Access Bank subsidiaries across Africa, AccessAfrica enables cross-border payments to over 140 destinations worldwide through multiple channels, including branches, AccessMore, USSD, and Internet Banking. Access Bank is a leading force in African cross-border and remittance solutions, we facilitate a broad spectrum of international transfers — P2P, P2B, B2P, and B2B — reaching over 140 countries, connecting with more than 20,000 banks, and operating in over 20 global currencies. The Group also drives remittance services in partnership with licensed International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), enabling customers worldwide to send funds to beneficiaries in Nigeria either as cash payouts or direct bank credits.

Amaka Obiefuna

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stated that it firmly believes that financial literacy is not merely an academic subject; but a life skill, and indeed, a survival tool in today’s complex and rapidly evolving economy.

Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama stated this at the handing over ceremony of the reviewed National Univeristies Commission’s (NUC) Curriculum on Securities and Investment Management(SIM) by the SEC appointed Committee of Experts (drawn from the capital
Market and academia)in Abuja, Tuesday.

Agama said the important engagement, signifies not only institutional collaboration, but also the collective resolve to build a foundation for sustainable financial empowerment in Nigeria.

According to him, “Our gathering today goes beyond policy harmonisation or curriculum design. It is about shaping the financial mindset of future generations, equipping young Nigerians with the tools to make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to our development.

“Financial literacy determines how individuals earn, save, invest, and build wealth. It also influences how they engage with the financial system, ensuring they are not left behind in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy.”

He said this is why the SEC remains deeply committed to embedding financial inclusion as a cornerstone of national development, beginning with education, where knowledge and values are first formed.

The SEC DG disclosed that the collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) represents a strategic leap forward; a deliberate and forward-looking effort to integrate financial education into Nigeria’s national curriculum from the primary through to the secondary levels.

“This initiative recognizes that financial discipline and awareness are best nurtured early, when curiosity is highest and habits are still forming. Early intervention is key to producing responsible, confident, and financially empowered citizens.

“I am pleased to note that the pilot implementations in Nasarawa and Ibadan have yielded encouraging results, reflecting strong adaptability, enthusiasm, and measurable impact among teachers and students alike.

“These early successes affirm that when given the right tools and guidance, Nigerian youth can quickly understand and apply concepts such as saving, investing, budgeting, and responsible financial decision-making” he stated.

Beyond imparting knowledge, the SEC Boss said the effort is about empowerment, about giving young people the confidence to participate productively in financial and capital markets adding that as the apex regulator of the capital market, the SEC’s dual mandate to protect investors and deepen the market cannot be achieved in isolation from an informed, financially literate populace.

Agama said embedding financial education into the national curriculum, is investing in human capital, the most critical driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth.

He acknowledged the pivotal role of the NUC in harmonizing academic standards, ensuring that learning outcomes remain relevant to the evolving dynamics of our economy.

This partnership he added, strengthens the bridge between education and enterprise, between classroom theory and the financial realities of everyday life.

Agama noted that the SEC envisions a Nigeria where every student, regardless of background or region, understands the value of money, the principles of investment, and the discipline of financial planning. A Nigeria where financial inclusion is not a distant aspiration, but a lived experience that begins in the classroom and translates into responsible citizenship and national prosperity.

“This initiative could not have come at a more opportune time. As our nation pursues the goal of building a trillion-dollar economy, anchored on innovation, knowledge, and inclusive growth, financial literacy will be one of the strongest pillars supporting that ambition.

“The SEC remains committed to sustaining this momentum, through ongoing support for curriculum development, teacher training, resource provision, and stakeholder collaboration across all levels of education. We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lessons and successes from the pilot states are scaled nationwide.

“Together, we can institutionalize a financial literacy framework that not only empowers the youth but also strengthens the moral and economic fabric of our society” he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Uche Uwaleke disclosed that the Committee was tasked with reviewing and expanding
the existing curriculum to reflect these developments with a view to making appropriate recommendations to the NUC that ensure that Nigerian universities are not only aligned with global trends, but are also equipping our students with the knowledge and competencies required to thrive in a modern capital market environment.

He said another equally important mandate of the Committee was to design and recommend to the NUC, a Basic Course in Capital Market Studies
to be taken by all first-year students across Nigerian universities. This
initiative is inspired by the recognition that awareness and understanding of the capital market remain relatively low, especially among young Nigerians. By introducing this foundational course, we
aim to promote early exposure, foster capital market literacy, and ultimately deepen financial inclusion — key pillars of the SEC’s developmental mandate.

Prof. Uwaleke said the Committee’s work was guided by a strong sense of purpose and collaboration. The Committee held a total of eight meetings — seven virtual and one in-person — during which we
engaged in extensive deliberations, research, and consultations. The
commitment and intellectual depth brought to the table by each member were remarkable.

Furthermore, the Committee recommended to the Federal
Ministry of Education, that this basic course be extended beyond
universities to all tertiary institutions — including polytechnics and colleges of education — so that the culture of investment awareness and financial literacy can be mainstreamed across all segments of our educational system.

“As we present this Report today,
we do so with a sense of fulfilment and optimism. We believe that its implementation will mark a major milestone in building a financially
literate generation and in strengthening the foundation for a vibrant,
inclusive, and globally competitive Nigerian capital market” He stated.