The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to prioritise the mobilisation of long-term capital in 2026 to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure and sectoral gaps, while streamlining regulations and promoting innovative financial instruments to channel disciplined capital into productive sectors of the economy.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in a New Year message issued in Abuja on Thursday, outlining the Commission’s strategic focus for the year.
Agama said the Commission would, in 2026, aggressively facilitate the issuance of infrastructure bonds, green bonds, municipal bonds and infrastructure-focused funds to attract both domestic and international long-term capital.
“Our goal is to attract long-term domestic and international capital into roads, power, rail, housing and digital infrastructure, while making it easier for state governments and infrastructure companies to access the market efficiently,” he said.
The SEC boss also revealed plans to deepen financing for agriculture by promoting the listing of agribusiness firms and creating tailored listing windows for agricultural cooperatives and value-chain companies.
“Through commodity exchanges, agricultural investment trusts and commodities-linked financial instruments, we will de-risk agriculture, ensure fair pricing for farmers, strengthen food security and allow Nigerians to own a stake in the nation’s breadbasket,” Agama stated.
He added that the Commission would drive the revitalisation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and introduce innovative affordable housing bonds to unlock capital for mass housing delivery and expand homeownership opportunities.
“These initiatives will create new asset classes for investors and move millions of Nigerians closer to owning their homes,” he said.
According to the DG, the SEC is also reviewing its rules to incentivise listings by small and medium-scale enterprises, particularly in manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and finished goods.
“By providing patient capital through the capital market, we will revitalise factories, reduce import dependency, create jobs and position ‘Made in Nigeria’ as a global brand,” Agama noted.
On the power sector, he said the Commission would support energy development through infrastructure bonds, green energy bonds, project-backed securities and public-private investment vehicles.
“We will help unlock long-term capital for grid expansion, renewable energy projects, embedded power solutions and energy transition initiatives. By improving bankability structures and attracting patient capital into the power value chain, the capital market will support energy security,” he said.
Agama described the new year as an opportunity for the SEC to redefine the role of the Nigerian capital market in national development.
“As the new year begins, we are not merely turning a page on the calendar; we are embracing a profound opportunity to redefine the very purpose and power of the Nigerian capital market,” he said.
He added that the Commission was building on a year of transformation to position the capital market as a key solution provider for Nigeria’s most pressing economic and developmental challenges.
