SEC Intensifies Crackdown On Ponzi Schemes

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it will intensify efforts to stamp out Ponzi and pyramid schemes while paving the way for legitimate investment opportunities to thrive in 2025.

Director general of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama stated this, in a New Year message to the capital market community at the weekend. Agama noted that, this year, the commission will focus on key initiatives that aim to deepen market integrity, enhance investor confidence, and drive economic growth.

According to him, the SEC is positioned with a dual mandate in regulating and developing the capital market in Nigeria, adding that, “naturally, our top priority in 2025 will cut across the dual mandate. For us, mainstreaming the Nigerian Capital Market into the economy is very vital.”

He added that, “enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation. We are revamping our investigative processes to enhance efficiency and hold bad actors accountable more decisively.

“Insider trading undermines activities and dampens market fairness. By revising our regulatory framework, we aim to strengthen detection, prevention, and accountability mechanisms. Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets. We will introduce measures to ensure greater visibility and trust in securities transactions.”

SEC DG disclosed that, to resolve market disputes efficiently and fairly, the commission is enhancing the operations of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST), making it more effective in delivering timely resolutions and improving efficiency.

Agama stated that a critical area of focus for the commission in 2025 is strengthening the legal framework of the commodities market to enable it attain its full potential of aiding economic development.

He explained that, “the commodity market is a vital part of the Nigeria economy. This year, we will focus on reinforcing the legal and regulatory structures that support growth so we can create a solid foundation for the vibrant commodities ecosystem. Be it a soft commodity or a hard commodity.”

The SEC DG said, these initiatives represent the Commission’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive capital market in 2025 as the SEC is poised to build wealth, creating confidence and making a difference like never before.