The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it would significantly step up enforcement actions under the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen investor confidence and market integrity in 2026.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, who said this while outlining the Commission’s regulatory priorities for the new year, noted that the new law expanded the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement powers.
Agama said the Commission would apply these powers “firmly and impartially” to address market abuses, insider dealings, fraudulent investment schemes, and other forms of misconducts in the capital market.
The enforcement actions, he maintained, would be guided by due process and the rule of law, adding that predictable and consistent regulation remained critical to building trust among investors.
“With the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement framework has been strengthened. In 2026, the Commission will continue to apply these powers firmly and impartially in its regulatory functions”, he said.
He explained that the SEC’s enforcement push forms part of broader measures to strengthen market integrity, efficiency, and resilience, adding that confidence in the capital market depended on effective supervision and the consistent application of rules.
Beyond enforcement, the DG said the Commission plans to advance regulatory efficiency through digitalisation, including streamlined approvals, automated filings, and improved disclosure processes.
“These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary frictions and delays, improve regulatory responsiveness, and enhance transparency across the market”, he emphasized.
Agama also said the SEC would introduce enhanced disclosure standards, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, alongside a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries to ensure financial resilience and sound risk management.
On investor protection, the Director-General reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to balancing broader market access with strong safeguards, particularly for retail investors and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Looking ahead, Agama said the SEC remained focused on supporting Nigeria’s economic transition, while maintaining market discipline.
“We will regulate not to stifle, but to catalyse. We will enforce not to punish, but to protect and build trust,” he said.
Agama said that the SEC also plans to roll out a nationwide financial literacy programme in 2026 aimed at improving investor awareness and reducing vulnerability to fraudulent schemes.
