SEC Signals Tougher Market Oversight in 2026 Following New Investments and Securities Act
By GLEBM News Desk
Nigeria’s SEC says it will step up enforcement in 2026 under the new Investments and Securities Act to curb market abuse and strengthen investor confidence.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to intensify enforcement of capital market rules in 2026, following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 (ISA).
The Director-General of the Commission, Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this while outlining the SEC’s regulatory priorities for the coming year, noting that the new law has expanded the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement authority.
According to Agama, the strengthened legal framework will enable the SEC to more effectively address market abuse, insider trading, fraudulent investment schemes, and other forms of misconduct within the capital market.
“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 said.
He stressed that enforcement actions would be carried out in line with due process and the rule of law, adding that consistent and predictable regulation is essential to sustaining investor confidence and maintaining market integrity.
Agama explained that the enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts by the Commission to improve the integrity, efficiency, and resilience of Nigeria’s capital market, noting that effective supervision and the uniform application of rules are critical to building trust among market participants.
Beyond enforcement, the SEC plans to improve regulatory efficiency through increased digitalisation. Agama said the Commission intends to implement measures such as streamlined approval processes, automated regulatory filings, and enhanced disclosure systems.
“These measures are intended to reduce unnecessary frictions, improve regulatory responsiveness, and enhance transparency across the market,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Commission will introduce stronger disclosure requirements, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting standards. In addition, the SEC plans to undertake a structured recapitalisation and governance review of market intermediaries to promote financial resilience and sound risk management practices.
— GLEBM News
