Judges Key to Enforcing Securities Act - SEC

Daftar Isi

Strengthening Judicial Collaboration for a Transparent Capital Market

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and the commission in implementing the newly passed Investment and Securities Act (ISA 2025). This call to action was made during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Capacity Building Interactive Workshop for Judges in Abuja. The event focused on the theme: "Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National and Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution."

Dr. Agama highlighted that the ISA 2025 marks a significant legal milestone and represents a bold step toward creating a more transparent, efficient, resilient, and secure investment environment. He praised the efforts of both the executive and legislative branches in ensuring the smooth passage of the act, calling it a shared commitment to economic growth, financial stability, and sustainable development.

He further explained that the act serves as a guiding light for future economic reforms, aiming to attract investments, empower businesses, and create long-term opportunities for all Nigerians. As part of the SEC’s strategy, the workshop is designed to engage the judiciary in all aspects of capital market operations, particularly focusing on the specialized laws, regulations, and ethics that underpin market integrity.

Dr. Agama also stressed that the workshop reflects the SEC’s firm commitment to engaging with all stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that the provisions of the ISA 2025 are widely disseminated, discussed, and fully understood. This effort is crucial in restoring investor confidence and fostering a more robust capital market.

The ISA 2025 introduces key reforms aimed at enhancing market transparency and investor protection. According to Dr. Agama, the courts play a pivotal role in resolving complex disputes such as insider trading and securities fraud. He noted that judges’ interpretations of these provisions will set legal precedents that will influence market behavior for decades.

In his address, the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Tope Fasua, emphasized the far-reaching implications of judicial pronouncements on capital market issues. He pointed out that such judgments shape market behavior, set legal precedents, and directly affect investor perceptions.

Fasua added that well-reasoned, timely, and technically sound judgments can send strong positive signals to the market, boosting confidence and attracting capital. On the contrary, delays, inconsistencies, or a lack of specialized understanding could inadvertently lead to systemic risks and discourage investment.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, welcomed the recent enactment of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025. She acknowledged its significance in strengthening the regulatory framework for the capital market.

This collaborative approach between the SEC and the judiciary underscores the critical need for a unified effort in shaping a more stable and transparent financial ecosystem. By aligning the legal and regulatory frameworks with the evolving needs of the market, Nigeria can position itself as an attractive destination for investors and a hub for economic growth.