Market News
Nigeria’s capital market raised N753bn in seven months, SEC chief says - BUSINESSDAY
Nigeria’s capital market raised more than N753 billion between April and October through commercial paper issuances, a sign of growing investor confidence, the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said.
Advertisement
Emomotimi Agama, director-general of the SEC, said the funds helped companies meet short-term financing needs, especially in manufacturing, energy and agriculture.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, Agama said the figures showed increasing trust in Nigeria’s capital market and its regulatory framework.
“These figures are not just numbers,” he said. “They reflect confidence in our rules and the strength of the market structure.”
He said the debt market also recorded major transactions during the period, including a N500 billion climate finance vehicle and a N200 billion bond issued by Elektron Finance. According to him, the deals point to rising interest in infrastructure and sustainable finance.
Agama said the commercial paper issuances were part of wider capital-raising activities approved by the SEC across debt, equity and short-term instruments.
“Between April and October 2025, the commission approved significant transactions across different segments of the market,” he said. “This shows the market’s ability to mobilise funds needed for economic growth.”
He added that recent improvements in Nigeria’s credit rating and the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list had boosted investor confidence.
The SEC chief also urged market operators to turn easing inflation into new financial products, saying innovation must go beyond ideas.
“The time for passive observation is over,” he said. “We all have a responsibility to turn these opportunities into action and make the capital market a driver of inclusive growth.”
Agama said the market recorded a downturn of about N6.54 trillion in November due to profit-taking ahead of a proposed 30 percent capital gains tax. However, he added that the market recovered after policy reassurances and remains positive for the year.
