The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has emphasized that the global movement toward sustainable finance is reshaping the foundation of investment decisions, corporate governance, and risk management across both developed and emerging markets.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) in Abuja, Agama stated that Nigeria’s capital market must adapt to this new reality to remain relevant, competitive, and capable of driving long-term economic transformation.
He said the future of the financial ecosystem lies in aligning profitability with sustainability, stressing that capital flows are now being influenced by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics.
“Sustainability is not a trend—it is an imperative,” Agama declared.
“Through sustainable finance, we are redefining how investments are structured, evaluated, and managed.
It is no longer enough to seek financial returns alone; we must ensure that our investments foster inclusion, protect the environment, and promote accountability.”
Nigeria’s Transition to Sustainable Finance Frameworks
Highlighting the SEC’s commitment to global standards, the Director General disclosed that the Commission has adopted several forward-looking initiatives, including the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework, the Green Bond Programme, and strategic collaborations with international development partners.
According to Agama, these reforms are designed to lay the foundation for a financial system that drives Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon and inclusive economy.
“Our goal is to align the Nigerian capital market with international sustainability benchmarks.
The Green Bond Programme, in particular, has positioned Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s climate financing landscape, channeling capital into renewable energy, transport, and waste management projects that deliver measurable environmental impact,” he said.
He urged market operators and stockbrokers to play a leading role by promoting sustainable investment products, guiding issuers on ESG compliance, and advising investors on responsible asset management.
The Expanding Role of Capital Markets in Nigeria’s Green Transition
Dr. Agama emphasized that the collaboration between the SEC and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers continues to strengthen investor confidence, financial literacy, and market transparency.
He noted that both institutions share a vision of developing a capital market that supports national growth priorities — mobilizing domestic savings, financing critical infrastructure, empowering small businesses, and supporting digital and green enterprises.
“The capital market is not just a platform for raising funds. It is a tool for building a resilient economy,” Agama said.
“To achieve the vision of a trillion-dollar economy, we must ensure that capital is directed toward projects that generate inclusive growth and sustainability.”
The SEC boss praised the resilience and professionalism of market operators despite economic headwinds, adding that their commitment to integrity and innovation remains critical in repositioning Nigeria’s financial ecosystem for sustainable development.
Sustainable Finance Driving Economic Transformation
Agama further stated that the principles of sustainable finance are now influencing investment flows globally, with investors increasingly prioritizing firms that integrate ESG goals into their business models.
He explained that Nigeria’s transition toward sustainable investment requires collaboration between regulators, issuers, investors, and the private sector.
“We must go beyond compliance to commitment. Sustainable finance is about embedding responsibility into every investment decision,” he noted.
“As regulators, our duty is to provide an enabling framework that ensures capital is deployed responsibly and transparently to achieve long-term value creation.”
He added that the SEC’s policies on green and social bonds have already begun to attract new classes of investors seeking ethical and climate-resilient portfolios, a development expected to deepen Nigeria’s financial markets and accelerate inclusive growth.
Call for Innovation, Ethics, and Inclusion
Urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, Agama called on stockbrokers and institutional investors to take advantage of evolving market opportunities in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and impact investing.
“With the world changing fast, the Nigerian capital market must not only keep pace but lead by example,” he said.
“Let us recommit to innovation that empowers, ethics that endure, and sustainability that delivers prosperity for all.”
He further emphasized that ethical investing and sustainable finance are key to rebuilding investor confidence, mitigating financial risk, and ensuring that the market plays a central role in Nigeria’s long-term economic agenda.
Towards a Resilient and Responsible Financial Future
The SEC’s ongoing reforms, according to Agama, aim to position Nigeria as a regional hub for green finance and sustainable investment.
These include policy alignment with the Paris Agreement, incentives for ESG-compliant listings, and capacity-building initiatives for capital market professionals.
By encouraging listed companies to disclose their environmental and social impact metrics, the Commission seeks to enhance transparency, attract international investors, and strengthen corporate governance practices.
Industry observers at the CIS conference agreed that the sustainability revolution is transforming how investors measure success and assess risk.
They noted that the integration of sustainable finance principles is not only vital for competitiveness but also critical for achieving Nigeria’s energy transition and climate resilience goals.
As Nigeria pursues its ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy, experts believe that the capital market must become the driving force for responsible investments that balance profitability with purpose — a future where every naira invested contributes to shared prosperity and environmental protection.
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