The Federal Government has emphasized the indispensable role of the judiciary in enhancing Nigeria’s capital market by delivering timely, well-reasoned, and technically sound rulings that will foster investor confidence and attract long-term investments.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made this appeal during the inauguration of a two-day judges’ workshop organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Abuja, themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution.”
Represented by Dr. Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Shettima described the capital market as the “lifeblood of modern economies,” underscoring the critical importance of judicial efficiency in sustaining market growth. He warned that delays, inconsistencies, or a lack of specialized expertise in capital market disputes could pose systemic risks and deter both local and international investors.
“The capital market is far more than just a platform for buying and selling securities. It is a sophisticated ecosystem that mobilises long-term capital for productive investments. It connects savers with investors, providing liquidity for businesses to grow, innovate and create jobs,” Shettima said.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population and vast potential, the Vice President stressed the capital market’s pivotal role in economic diversification beyond oil, promoting indigenous industrialization, and attracting foreign direct investment. He added, “A well-functioning capital market can unlock latent wealth, deepen financial inclusion and ultimately improve the living standards of our people.”
Shettima emphasized that trust is the cornerstone of any capital market. “Investors, whether local or international, institutional or retail, will only commit their hard-earned capital where they are confident that their investments are secure, that transactions are transparent, and that their rights are protected.”
Disputes are inevitable in the capital market, arising from breaches of contract, market manipulation, insider trading, or corporate governance issues. “What truly matters is not the occurrence of disputes, but how swiftly, fairly, and expertly they are resolved,” he added.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Adah, echoed the need for the judiciary to be proactive custodians of economic integrity. “The capital market is a repository of trust, but also a potential site of distortion. The judiciary has a profound role to play, not as passive arbiters, but as active custodians of economic integrity and commercial justice,” she stated.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of SEC, highlighted the significance of the recently enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, calling it a landmark legislation that strengthens Nigeria’s regulatory framework and investor confidence. “The ISA 2025 ushers in a new era for our capital market, fostering a more transparent, efficient, resilient, and secure investment climate,” he said.
In a related development, EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede revealed that 58 unlicensed firms involved in pyramid schemes have been charged, with two convictions secured. He stressed the importance of judicial understanding of emerging financial issues, especially in digital assets, referencing ongoing cases against Binance and CBEX.
Okay.ng reports that this workshop represents a strategic collaboration between the judiciary and regulatory bodies to ensure Nigeria’s capital market remains robust, transparent, and attractive to investors.
