The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced plans to significantly intensify the enforcement of capital market regulations in 2026, following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen investor confidence and uphold market integrity.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this while outlining the Commission’s regulatory priorities, explaining that the newly enacted law has expanded the Commission’s supervisory authority and enforcement capabilities.

Agama stated that the Commission intends to deploy its enhanced powers decisively to tackle market abuse, insider trading, fraudulent investment schemes and other forms of misconduct within the capital market.

According to him, the application of these powers will be carried out firmly and impartially, while remaining fully guided by due process and the rule of law, which he described as essential to maintaining predictable and consistent regulation.

“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”, he said.

He explained that the renewed enforcement drive forms part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening market integrity, improving efficiency and enhancing the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market.

Agama added that sustained investor confidence depends largely on effective supervision and the consistent application of regulatory rules across all segments of the market.

Beyond enforcement actions, he disclosed that the Commission plans to improve regulatory efficiency through digitalisation, with initiatives such as streamlined approval processes, automated filings and enhanced disclosure systems.

“These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary frictions, improve regulatory responsiveness, and enhance transparency across the market”, he emphasized.

Agama further revealed that the Commission will introduce enhanced disclosure requirements, including environmental, social and governance reporting, alongside a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries.

He explained that the planned recapitalisation and governance review are intended to ensure financial resilience, strengthen risk management practices and promote long-term market stability.

On investor protection, the Director-General reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to striking a balance between expanding market access and maintaining strong safeguards, particularly for retail investors and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Looking ahead, Agama said the Commission remains focused on supporting Nigeria’s economic transition while maintaining strict 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.

He also disclosed that the Securities and Exchange Commission plans to roll out a nationwide financial literacy programme in 2026, aimed at improving investor awareness and reducing vulnerability to fraudulent investment schemes.