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Nigeria at 65: SEC Chief Urges Citizens to Seek Financial Independence Through Capital Market
ABUJA, Nigeria (Oct. 2, 2025) — As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, urged citizens to embrace the capital market as a pathway to financial independence and long-term economic stability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Agama made the call Thursday during a commemorative lecture in Abuja. He said Nigeria’s economic future depends not only on government reforms but also on individuals and businesses taking advantage of investment opportunities. According to him, the capital market offers one of the most reliable means for Nigerians to build wealth and reduce dependence on external aid or government subsidies.
“The true independence of any nation is not just political but financial,” Agama said. “At 65, Nigeria must begin to think beyond oil and government revenue. Our people need to look toward the capital market as a way of creating wealth and ensuring financial freedom.”
The SEC boss emphasized that the capital market is designed for ordinary citizens, not just elites or big corporations. He highlighted opportunities in equities, bonds, mutual funds, and other regulated instruments that could help Nigerians secure their future.
Agama explained that while the country faces inflation, currency depreciation, and unemployment, citizens can still leverage financial literacy and investment tools to improve their lives. He also encouraged youths, who make up the majority of Nigeria’s population, to learn more about capital market products and adopt a savings-and-investment culture.
“Financial independence begins with education and discipline,” Agama said. “If more Nigerians invest responsibly, they will not only secure their personal future but also contribute to national growth.”
He assured the public that the SEC is working to strengthen regulations, protect investors, and promote transparency. He said the commission is also collaborating with financial institutions to create inclusive platforms that make investing easier for small savers.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, continues to rely heavily on oil exports for revenue. Experts say this dependence has made the economy vulnerable to price shocks and external pressures. Calls for diversification have grown louder in recent years, especially as inflation erodes household income.
Financial analysts agree that increased participation in the capital market could reduce Nigeria’s overreliance on government spending. By channeling private savings into productive sectors, the market can help create jobs, finance infrastructure, and support businesses.
Speaking at the event, economic analyst Aisha Bello described the capital market as “a sleeping giant” in Nigeria’s financial system. She said many Nigerians still prefer informal savings or real estate speculation, missing out on the potential of regulated investment opportunities.
“Financial inclusion is not just about opening bank accounts,” Bello said. “It is about teaching people how to use the capital market to grow their money safely. That is where real independence lies.”
The SEC has recently launched several initiatives aimed at deepening market participation, including digital trading platforms, investor education campaigns, and partnerships with schools and universities. The commission has also introduced stricter rules to protect investors from fraud and market manipulation.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Low public trust, weak financial literacy, and high poverty levels have slowed growth in the capital market. According to data from the Nigerian Exchange Group, less than 5% of Nigerians actively invest in stocks or bonds.
Still, Agama said he is optimistic that with sustained education and policy reforms, participation will rise. He urged the media, civil society, and private sector to join efforts in spreading awareness.
“As we celebrate 65 years of independence, it is time for Nigerians to understand that financial freedom is the next frontier,” Agama said. “The capital market is a tool that can help every citizen achieve that goal.”
Economists note that financial independence at the individual level could ease pressure on the government, allowing resources to be directed toward public services like education, health, and infrastructure. They argue that a strong capital market can also attract foreign investors, boost the value of the naira, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy.
For many Nigerians, however, the road to financial independence remains uncertain. Rising costs of living, limited disposable income, and low wages continue to push millions toward survival rather than investment. Experts say this is why education and trust-building will be crucial if Agama’s call is to translate into real impact.
As Nigeria reflects on 65 years of nationhood, the message from its capital market regulator is clear: political independence means little without financial empowerment. The challenge now is whether citizens — and the government — are ready to embrace the tools that can turn that vision into reality.
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is allowed to participate fully.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Amaechi made the claim during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast programme on Friday.
He criticised the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of interfering in opposition parties and attempting to weaken potential challengers ahead of the election.
Amaechi argued that regardless of whether the election is free or flawed, Tinubu would be defeated if credible opposition candidates are on the ballot.
He also dismissed interpretations of a Court of Appeal ruling suggesting the opposition was leaderless, insisting that such claims misrepresent the law.
According to him, the government is working to prevent strong opponents from emerging by using institutions, including the judiciary, to influence party structures.
Amaechi called on authorities to allow political institutions to function independently and ensure that all parties can field candidates without interference.
He maintained that Nigerians would ultimately decide at the polls, questioning the administration’s chances amid economic challenges and ongoing insecurity.
“How can he win with the current state of the economy and security situation?” he asked.
Airtel Nigeria has announced the temporary suspension of its airtime and data credit services, which previously allowed eligible prepaid customers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the telecom operator said the decision is part of ongoing operational adjustments driven by evolving regulatory requirements in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, explained that the move was necessary to ensure compliance with current industry standards.
He added that the suspension aligns with broader efforts to meet regulatory and operational guidelines governing telecom services in the country.
Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that normal services remain unaffected, noting that subscribers can still purchase airtime and data through regular channels.
The company further stated that the temporary pause will not impact network performance or overall service delivery nationwide.
Reacting to the development, Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the decision as necessary and responsible.
He said: “This is a necessary and responsible step as we align our operations with evolving requirements. Airtel Nigeria remains committed to the highest standards of compliance, transparency, and consumer protection, while continuing to innovate responsibly within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
Airtel added that further updates on the suspended service will be communicated in due course.
The development comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny of digital lending and credit-based telecom services in Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
reports that the development was announced on Friday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The 2026 budget provides a total expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion. Tinubu also approved the extension of the 2025 budget implementation period from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
Of the total budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated to statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion to debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion to recurrent expenditure, and ₦32.2 trillion to capital projects under the Development Fund.
With capital spending accounting for about 50 percent, the budget reflects the administration’s focus on economic stability, security, infrastructure development, and inclusive growth.
The allocation structure is designed to balance statutory commitments, debt obligations, recurrent costs, and capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving living standards.
The President also signed the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending the implementation of the 2025 capital budget to June 30, 2026.
The extension is expected to ensure full utilisation of funds for ongoing infrastructure and development projects across the country.
It will also allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete ongoing projects, improve execution rates, and maximise public spending value.
With the 2026 Appropriation Act taking effect from April 1, the Federal Government is set to begin full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu directed MDAs to ensure transparency, discipline, and efficiency in the use of allocated resources, stressing value for money and timely project delivery.
He commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, and reiterated the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature in driving national development.
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fiscal reforms, stronger revenue generation, job creation, and expanded social protection programmes.
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