The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating a robust regulatory environment that encourages innovation in Nigeria’s capital market while safeguarding investors’ interests.
Agama gave the assurance during his keynote address at the Comercio Partners H2 2025 Outlook event, where he addressed the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing on financial markets, and the need for regulatory systems that can evolve alongside them.
He noted that Nigeria and the broader African continent stand at a crossroads, with technological innovation offering both unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges in the wake of shifting global trade dynamics and rapid digital disruption.
“We are actively engaging with fintech startups, blockchain innovators, and quantum researchers to develop frameworks that balance progress with investor protection,” he said.
According to him, recent disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have exposed the vulnerabilities in traditional economic models, forcing nations to reevaluate their approaches to growth, investment, and financial security.
Agama described quantum innovation as the next frontier for economic competitiveness, with implications for finance, healthcare, national security, and more.
He explained that quantum computing, cryptography, and communication hold the potential to redefine risk modelling, fraud detection, and asset pricing in the capital market with unprecedented accuracy and speed.
He added that “the future belongs to nations that invest in STEM education and digital skills,” urging the private sector to partner with the government in funding research hubs and pilot projects that drive innovation.
The SEC boss said the Commission is actively exploring policy options to support digital financial assets such as tokenized securities and green bonds, positioning Nigeria to lead the continent in building a sustainable, tech-driven economy.
Highlighting Africa’s youthful population and untapped innovation potential, Agama stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration to harness blockchain technology for transparent markets, artificial intelligence for improved financial inclusion, and innovation sandboxes for emerging solutions.
“As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria must take the lead,” he stated, reaffirming SEC’s commitment to regulatory innovation that both advances capital market development and strengthens investor confidence.
Read more on The Whistler Nigeria
