SEC Vows Stronger Enforcement in 2026 to Boost Investor Confidence

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to intensify enforcement of capital market rules in 2026, following the passage of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025. The move is aimed at strengthening market integrity and boosting investor confidence.

Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, revealed the Commission’s regulatory priorities, highlighting that the new law expands the SEC’s supervisory and enforcement powers.

Agama said the Commission will use these powers “firmly and impartially” to tackle market abuse, insider trading, fraudulent investment schemes, and other forms of misconduct. He emphasized that all enforcement actions will adhere to due process and the rule of law, ensuring predictability and consistency for investors.

“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,” Agama stated.

The SEC also plans to drive regulatory efficiency through digitalisation, including automated filings, streamlined approvals, and improved disclosure processes. These measures are expected to reduce bureaucratic delays, enhance transparency, and improve responsiveness across the market.

Agama further noted that the Commission will introduce enhanced disclosure standards, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, alongside a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries to ensure financial resilience and sound risk management.

On investor protection, the SEC reaffirmed its commitment to balancing market access with strong safeguards, particularly for retail investors and SMEs.

Looking ahead, the Director-General stressed that the SEC’s approach will support Nigeria’s economic transition while maintaining 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.

The SEC will also launch a nationwide financial literacy programme in 2026 to raise investor awareness and reduce vulnerability to fraudulent schemes.