We Will Intensify Clampdown On Ponzi Schemes In 2025, Says SEC DG

Emomotimi Agama, the director-general (DG) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), says the regulator’s top priority for 2025 is to revamp regulations on investment fraud, also known as ponzi scheme, to enhance detection and accountability.

In his new year message to the capital market over the weekend, Agama said the commission’s plans for the year also include mainstreaming the Nigerian capital market into the economy.

“The SEC is positioned with a dual mandate in regulating and developing the capital market in Nigeria. Naturally, our top priority in 2025 will cut across the dual mandate. For us, mainstreaming the Nigerian Capital Market into the economy is very vital,” he said.

“Enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively.

“Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms.

“Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets. We will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions.”

Agama also said the commodities market is a major area of interest for the SEC.

“Nigeria is purely an agrarian nation and as such, taking that comparative advantage to the next level, is something that the SEC is proud to be a part of,” he said.

“It is a vital part of the Nigeria economy. This year, we will focus on reinforcing the legal and regulatory structures that support growth so we can create a solid foundation for the vibrant commodities ecosystem. Be it a soft commodity or a hard commodity.

“More so, when we have a plethora of commodities all over Nigeria. The SEC as a partner in development will make sure that we will make the difference.”

The DG added that the commission intends to steer the capital market towards a direction that ensures development reaches every Nigerian in the capital market community.