The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Emomotimi Agama, says Nigeria will adopt a customized approach to the international sustainability framework instead of applying a “copy-and-paste” model.
He made the remark at an investors’ roundtable on the International Sustainability Standards Board over the weekend.
The DG said the SEC is weighing a phased rollout of the global sustainability disclosure standards developed by the International Organisation of Securities Commissions.
He noted that since Nigeria was part of the task force that designed the standards, the country will remain committed to upholding the four pillars on which they are anchored.
“Nigeria, with its vast natural resources and growing population, is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and is pursuing an ambitious sustainable finance agenda.
“This means: capacity building—working with issuers, auditors, and preparers to ensure they understand and are ready for the new requirements.
“Phased implementation—considering a graduated approach, perhaps beginning with larger, listed entities before expanding to others; assurance framework—developing a robust system for the verification of disclosures to guarantee their credibility.
“And alignment with local realities—ensuring the global baseline is applied in a way that is appropriate and proportional for our market, while maintaining the core goal of global comparability,” he explained.
Agama said the commission chose this approach to boost the attractiveness of Nigeria’s capital market and demonstrate transparency to international investors.
He added that the step positions the ISSB as a definitive global framework for sustainability reporting.
“The case for adoption is clear: for global comparability, for investor trust, for managing systemic risk, and for reducing complexity.
“This is no longer a question of if, but of how and when. The journey to a sustainable global economy requires a common language.
“The ISSB has provided that lexicon. IOSCO has called us to speak about it. At SEC Nigeria, we have answered that call,” the DG said.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the standards through both domestic and international collaboration.
