Securities Commission Takes Investor Education Campaign Nationwide, Targets Unclaimed Dividends

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria, has intensified its nationwide campaign to promote financial literacy, strengthen investor protection and expand participation in the Nigerian capital market through its Capital Market Awareness, Unclaimed Funds and Investor Education Outreach Programme.

The latest edition of the programme held in Lafia, Nasarawa State brought together representatives of relevant institutions, academia and other stakeholders to promote awareness of investment opportunities, facilitate access to unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, and educate the public on measures to guard against fraudulent investment schemes.

Among those present were representatives of the ICMR, the Probate Registry, key departments of the Securities and Exchange Commission, academia and the National Population Commission. Their participation underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing the challenges associated with unclaimed investments and improving public understanding of the capital market.

Members of the SEC Board who attended the programme also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming the importance of investor education, public enlightenment and sustained efforts to protect investors while broadening access to the capital market.

Speaking at the engagement, the chairman of SEC, Alhaji Mairiga Katuka, explained that the outreach forms part of the Commission’s nationwide efforts to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate investment opportunities, protect investors and assist Nigerians in recovering unclaimed dividends and other investment assets.

He noted that an informed population is better equipped to make sound financial decisions, protect its savings and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

A major highlight of the engagement was a courtesy visit by the SEC chairman to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to appreciate the state government’s support and seek stronger collaboration in advancing investor education and financial inclusion.

During the visit, Katuka expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing strategically located office space in Lafia for the Commission’s liaison office.

He described the gesture as a significant contribution to strengthening the Commission’s presence and improving access to its services, while commending the state government’s efforts to promote investment, enterprise, industrialisation and sustainable economic development.

In his response, Sule commended the SEC for its work in the Nigerian capital market, acknowledging the importance of the Commission’s regulatory role and its efforts to promote investor protection and strengthen confidence in the market.

At the outreach, the Commission highlighted the challenge of unclaimed dividends, stressing that such funds represent the savings and investments of individuals and families and should be accessible to their rightful owners.

According to SEC, unclaimed investments may arise from incomplete investor records, outdated shareholder information, changes in bank account details and difficulties associated with transferring investments following the death of an investor.

To address the challenge, the Commission highlighted the enhanced e-Dividend Mandate Management System, which facilitates the direct payment of dividends into shareholders’ bank accounts and enables investors to update their records more conveniently.

Investors were encouraged to regularise their investment information and take advantage of the available facilities to facilitate the recovery of outstanding dividends.

The Commission also emphasised the need for cooperation among registrars and other market stakeholders in improving record management, enhancing service delivery and resolving outstanding claims.

The programme further reinforced the SEC’s commitment to protecting investors, promoting financial literacy and expanding access to reliable information about the capital market.