SEC Vows to Crack Down on Ponzi Schemes and Boost Nigeria’s Commodities Market in 2025
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has pledged to intensify its crackdown on Ponzi and pyramid schemes in 2025 while focusing on the development of Nigeria’s commodities market, describing these efforts as central to its mission of investor protection and market development.
In a New Year message to the capital market community, the SEC’s Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, outlined the Commission’s priorities for the year, emphasising transparency, accountability, and economic growth as key pillars of its agenda.
“Protecting investors remains a cornerstone of our mission,” Agama stated. “We will intensify efforts to stamp out Ponzi and pyramid schemes while paving the way for legitimate investment opportunities to thrive in 2025.”
Cracking Down on Bad Actors
Agama highlighted enforcement as the backbone of effective regulation, detailing plans to overhaul the Commission’s investigative processes to ensure greater efficiency and hold offenders accountable.
“Insider trading and other unethical practices undermine market fairness,” he said. “By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and enforcement mechanisms. Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence, and we will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility in securities transactions.”
The SEC also plans to enhance the operations of the Investments and Securities Tribunal to ensure the timely and fair resolution of market disputes. These reforms, Agama said, are designed to boost investor confidence and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s capital market.
A Commodities Market for Growth
A significant focus for 2025 is the development of Nigeria’s commodities market, which the SEC views as a critical driver of economic growth. Agama underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s agrarian economy and rich array of commodities to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“Nigeria is an agrarian nation, and the commodities market is a vital part of our economy,” he said. “This year, we will reinforce the legal and regulatory structures needed to create a vibrant commodities ecosystem, covering both soft and hard commodities. By doing so, we aim to turn our comparative advantage into a transformative force for economic development.”
Agama assured stakeholders that the SEC will actively collaborate with other partners to establish Nigeria as a leader in commodities trading, positioning the sector as a key contributor to wealth creation and national growth.
A Vision for Inclusion and Confidence
Looking ahead, Agama emphasised the SEC’s commitment to building a more inclusive capital market that fosters wealth creation and economic development. He urged stakeholders to join forces with the Commission to achieve this vision, reiterating the importance of investor trust and market integrity.
“Our goal is to ensure Nigerians can confidently participate in the capital market and benefit from its opportunities,” he concluded.
As 2025 unfolds, the SEC’s ambitious agenda will be closely watched by investors, regulators, and market participants eager to see how these reforms reshape Nigeria’s financial and commodities sectors.
