The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation in Nigeria’s capital market through the adoption of advanced technologies such as blockchain and quantum computing. The move, according to SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama, is aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s evolving financial technology ecosystem while ensuring strong investor protection.
Agama disclosed this during his keynote address at the Comercio Partners H2 2025 Outlook event in Lagos, where he outlined the transformative potential of emerging technologies in reshaping global finance.
Agama emphasized that the Nigerian capital market must adapt to rapid technological advances that are redefining trade, finance, and investment worldwide.
“The Commission is committed to fostering a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding market integrity. We are actively engaging fintech startups, blockchain innovators, and quantum researchers to develop frameworks that balance progress with investor protection,” he said.
He identified quantum computing, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence (AI) as the key drivers of this transformation, stressing that Nigeria and Africa stand at a turning point with immense opportunities to leverage these innovations for inclusive growth.
Agama described quantum computing as “the next frontier,” capable of revolutionizing how capital markets operate by enhancing risk modeling, asset pricing, fraud detection, and trade processing speed.
He explained that the quantum era will demand heavy investment in research and development (R&D), urging the private sector to partner with government and academic institutions to fund quantum research hubs and pilot projects.
“Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa into the quantum economy. But this requires strategic investment in STEM education and digital skills to build a workforce ready for the quantum age,” he added.
The SEC chief disclosed that the Commission is exploring policies that will integrate blockchain technology for capital market transparency, digital securities issuance, and green bonds. According to him, the adoption of tokenised assets will improve market efficiency, reduce settlement delays, and boost investor confidence.
Agama noted that blockchain will also play a significant role in enhancing financial inclusion, as it can provide alternative investment channels for retail investors and small businesses.
Highlighting Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy, Agama said the country must take the lead in innovation-driven growth.
He revealed that the SEC is developing innovation sandboxes to test and approve new financial technologies before full-scale adoption. This, he said, would help balance market growth with regulatory oversight and investor safety.
The SEC’s vision, according to him, is to make the Nigerian capital market globally competitive by aligning with international best practices in digital finance while preparing for emerging risks associated with disruptive technologies.
Financial experts have welcomed the SEC’s move, describing it as a critical step toward modernizing Nigeria’s financial system. Market analysts say the adoption of quantum computing and blockchain could unlock billions of dollars in foreign investments, attract global fintech companies, and deepen market liquidity.
However, they warned that without proper regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity measures, the integration of such advanced technologies could expose the market to cyber threats and data breaches.
As global financial systems shift towards technology-driven models, the SEC’s embrace of quantum computing and blockchain technology signals Nigeria’s readiness to compete in the digital economy. With strong regulatory oversight, capacity building, and public-private partnerships, the country could soon become a leading hub for capital market innovation in Africa.