SEC tasks capital market on economic reformation

By Cynthia Ezekwe.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on the capital  market to take necessary steps that would help drive the economic transformation, and  change the nation’s fortunes for the better.

Lamido Yuguda, director general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, made the call  in an interview, while commending president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for  the reforms embarked on so far to rejuvenate the nation’s economy and improve the standard of living of Nigerians.

Yugada noted that  there was a remarkable 5.23 per cent  surge in market capitalization at the NGX on the president’s first day in office, driven by optimistic anticipation of market reforms.

 “It is a fact that there are prevailing challenges arising from demanding macroeconomic conditions, constrained consumer spending, and rising operational costs. Despite these challenges, there remains a shared sense of optimism that ongoing rigorous reforms will rejuvenate the nation’s economy. I therefore pledge the resolute support of the capital market to the federal government in navigating these challenges for the country’s brighter future,’’ the DG of SEC noted.

Yuguda stated that Nigeria had outperformed global indices on gains in the All Share Index (ASI) and market capitalization in the first half of 2023, an indication that the economy is being reflated.

He noted that the exceptional performance is attributed to several factors, such as the appealing dividend yields offered by certain stocks, the recovery of corporate earnings, and a notable improvement in sentiments among domestic retail investors.

“All the indicators reflecting investors’ involvement including volume, value, and the number of transactions had demonstrated consistent month-on-month increases throughout the first half of 2023,’’ Yuguda  said.

The director general also stated that the Investments and Securities Bill (ISB) 2023 which aims to align regulations with the modern dynamics of the market is presently being considered by the 10th  National Assembly and expressed the hope that if passed into law, it will enable optimal contribution of the capital market to national development.

He acknowledged that the road ahead is undeniably challenging, stating that the capital market must step forward in whatever way to lend its helping hand to the current economic reforms.