Nasarawa Backs SEC Drive For Financial Inclusion, Investor Protection

The Nasarawa State Government has pledged support for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in its drive to deepen financial inclusion, strengthen investor protection and expand public participation in Nigeria’s capital market.

Governor Abdullahi Sule gave the assurance when the chairman of SEC, Alhaji Mairiga Katuka, paid him a courtesy visit in Lafia during the commission’s Capital Market Awareness, Unclaimed Funds and Investor Education Outreach Programme in the state.

The initiative seeks to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate investment opportunities, facilitate the recovery of unclaimed dividends and protect Nigerians from fraudulent investment schemes.

Sule acknowledged the importance of raising public awareness about investment opportunities and encouraging informed participation in the capital market, noting that collaboration between the state government and SEC would advance financial inclusion and economic development.

The governor’s support is expected to strengthen efforts to mobilise business owners, cooperative societies, youth groups, market associations and other stakeholders to participate in the capital market.

Speaking during the visit, Katuka commended the Nasarawa State Government for providing strategically located office space for SEC’s liaison office in Lafia, describing the gesture as a significant contribution to strengthening the commission’s presence in the state and improving access to its services.

He also praised the state government’s efforts to promote investment, enterprise, industrialisation and sustainable economic development, noting that Nasarawa’s growing economic potential makes it an important partner in expanding capital market participation.

According to him, the outreach programme forms part of SEC’s nationwide efforts to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate investment opportunities, strengthen investor protection and help Nigerians recover unclaimed dividends and other investment assets.

Katuka solicited the state government’s support in mobilising relevant groups and communities to participate actively in the programme, stressing that an informed population is better equipped to make sound financial decisions and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

The outreach programme brought together representatives of relevant institutions, academia and other stakeholders, including the ICMR, the Probate Registry, key departments of SEC and the National Population Commission.

Members of the SEC Board who attended the programme also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming the importance of investor education and sustained protection of investors.

At the programme, the commission highlighted the challenge of unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, stressing that the funds represent the savings and investments of individuals and families.

Investors were urged to regularise their investment information to facilitate the recovery of outstanding dividends. SEC also emphasised the need for cooperation among registrars and other capital market stakeholders to improve record management and resolve claims.