Emomotimi Agama, SEC director-general, says the renewed Capital Market Master Plan will align closely with Nigeria’s National Development Plan.

Speaking at the Capital Market Committee meeting in Lagos on Monday, he said the alignment supports Nigeria’s drive towards a $1 trillion economy.

Mr Agama noted that the plan will guide market direction from 2026 to 2030, with the potential to extend to 2035 if necessary. He explained the new approach avoids creating entirely new master plans. Updates will reflect evolving economic realities.

“The goal is to position the capital market as a central driver of national development,” Mr Agama said.

He added that the SEC intends the capital market to feature in every national discussion on economic development.

“From 2026 to 2030, we have defined our direction. Changes within this period will prompt plan adjustments, not a new plan. How does the capital market become a springboard for national economic development? That is the vision we set for ourselves. National progress is difficult if policymakers fail to involve the market. Without us, they are lost,” he said.

Mr Agama emphasised that the new market vision requires active participation and practical solutions from all stakeholders. He urged stakeholders to focus on daily interventions to improve port, road, railway, health, and education infrastructure. He noted that collective and consistent action can deliver substantial progress quickly.

Mr Agama acknowledged support from FSD Africa and the Nigerian Capital Development Fund, particularly in providing consultancy for the plan review. Beyond consultancy, stakeholders will undergo sensitisation sessions to ensure strategies are realistic and contextually aligned with Nigeria’s economy.

“The external steering committee will provide strategic leadership, monitor progress, and ensure accountability during implementation. Working groups will focus on commodities, digital economy, liquidity, listings, and sustainability,” Mr Agama said. 

He encouraged those not included in groups to volunteer, describing it as national service, noting that SEC will ensure multi-stakeholder participation, including regulators, market operators, development partners, and experts, and that performance will determine continued group participation; members unable to deliver on tasks will not be retained.

Mr Agama called for additional suggestions, including the potential creation of private equity groups to ensure robust market representation.

“The objective is to build a living document that evolves with market realities and drives Nigeria’s capital market transformation,” he said.

(NAN)