The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says true independence means having money, not just political freedom. They are pushing Nigerians—from traders to fishermen—to use the stock market to build lasting wealth.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched a nationwide campaign urging every Nigerian, including those in the Niger Delta, to stop depending only on savings and use the capital market (the stock market and bond market) to achieve financial independence.
The Director-General of SEC, Mr. Emomotimi Agama, stated that true independence for Nigeria and its citizens is not just political freedom but also includes financial security for all. He described the capital market as the engine room for empowering the economy.
Why the Stock Market is the Best Way to Build Wealth
According to the SEC, the capital market offers a clear pathway to turning small savings into sustainable investments that build long-term wealth.
Mr. Agama highlighted that the market is no longer for just a few rich people; it has been reformed to be a “public square of prosperity for all.”
Here are the key points for the average Nigerian:
- Become a Part-Owner: When you buy a share in a company, you become a part-owner of a major Nigerian business. This is a new form of patriotism, where your investment helps the country grow while you earn a profit.
- Fund Infrastructure: When you invest in a bond, you are helping the government or companies to fund essential projects and infrastructure that will power the nation’s future.
- Investment is Patriotism: Widespread participation in the capital market doesn’t just improve your personal finances; it actively speeds up national development and economic transformation.
SEC’s Efforts to Protect and Include You
To make the market safe and accessible, the SEC has introduced key reforms:
- Dematerialisation of Shares: This reform ensures that your paper share certificates are converted into digital records, making your investments safer and easier to manage.
- Increased Retail Participation: They are working to ensure that more regular people, and not just big institutions, can easily invest.
- Fight Against Fraud: The SEC is running continuous campaigns against Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent activities that have cheated many Nigerians out of their money.
The message to Nigerians—from the fisherman in Yenagoa to the entrepreneur in Port Harcourt—is to prioritise financial literacy, commit to consistent investment, and adopt a long-term perspective to build a better financial future.
The final call is for every citizen to embrace this powerful tool for wealth creation so that the growth of the economy mirrors the growth of the citizens’ financial independence.
