The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Emomotimi Agama, says Nigeria could unlock up to $500 billion in untapped agricultural and mineral assets by formalising its commodities and warehouse receipt systems.

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers’ national workshop in Abuja on Tuesday, Agama said such formalisation would convert these assets into tradeable securities—diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas and creating new national wealth.

He noted that the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act 2025 empowers the SEC to take decisive steps in advancing the commodities sector.

The Act, he added, enhances the Commission’s regulatory capacity, enabling it to effectively supervise the fast-evolving market.

“Today, I speak not just about the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as a legislative milestone, but as a strategic blueprint to propel Nigeria into the league of top global economies,” the DG said.

“This Act is not merely an update—it is a revolution. It dismantles legacy constraints, embeds global best practices, and positions our market as the engine room for national prosperity.

“The question before us is no longer if Nigeria can achieve a $1 trillion economy, but how soon—and the capital market, under this new Act, will be the accelerant.”

Agama also highlighted that the SEC now has explicit powers to shut down Ponzi schemes and prosecute offenders—marking a decisive step toward ending the era of “get-rich-quick” scams that undermine investor confidence.

“Investors are now covered for losses from revoked dealer licenses—a long-awaited safeguard that will boost participation. Trust is the currency of our capital markets. Without it, liquidity dries up,” he added.