The Securities and Exchange Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only fit and proper individuals operate in Nigeria’s capital market, vowing to clamp down on fraudulent activities and protect investors.

In a statement made available to our SEC director correspondent on Sunday, the director general of SEC, Emomotimi Agama, declared that market operators engaging in unethical practices would not be allowed to go unpunished.

He emphasised that the Commission’s primary mandate remains investor protection, stressing that 2025 will usher in a period of zero tolerance for non-compliance.

“It is important to state clearly that every investor in Nigeria is under the cover of the SEC as long as the person operates within the Nigerian capital market. And so the year 2025 is a year where we say that there is zero tolerance for any activity that does not fall within the laws of the Investments and Securities Act 2007.”

The SEC boss highlighted that proper disclosure by public companies would be a key focus, as transparency is essential for investor confidence.

According to him, companies that fail to provide adequate information to investors will face penalties, as withholding crucial details violates SEC regulations.

“Disclosures by public companies will be very essential in ensuring that investors have access to adequate information for making informed decisions,” he stated. “If information is not provided as required, it will be considered a violation of the SEC’s rules and the ISA.

We want to make it clear that there is no hiding place anymore for individuals or entities seeking to defraud investors in the Nigerian capital market.”

Agama further disclosed that the recently passed Investment and Securities Act by the National Assembly will strengthen the SEC’s regulatory framework. He expressed optimism that once the Act is signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it will provide greater powers to tackle fraudulent activities and enhance market integrity.