The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has emphasized that Nigeria must harness its demographic dividend by 2030 through inclusive investment strategies or risk deepening inequality and poverty.
Speaking at the United Capital Asset Management Investment Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, Dr. Agama delivered a keynote address titled: “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap.”
“This is not aspirational; it is foundational to national survival,” he said. “By 2030, Nigeria can either harness its demographic dividend or face deepening inequality.”
He noted that while Nigeria has a large youthful population, only a small fraction participate in the capital market, creating a critical disconnect between available financial opportunities and public access.
Agama urged a shift in mindset—from seeing inclusion as mere access, to framing it as active financial involvement, where capital becomes a tool for empowerment.
Highlighting the gender gap, he pointed out that closing this alone could lift 700,000 Nigerians out of poverty.
“We are running from money,” he warned. “The market capitalisation we have is a massive opportunity to transform our economy.”
The SEC boss also cited the MTN Nigeria share offering, which attracted 150,000 new investors, 75% of whom were women, and 85% under age 40—proving the power of accessible investment models.
Four-Pillar Strategy for Bridging the Gap:
Dr. Agama proposed a comprehensive approach to tackling financial exclusion:
- Democratise financial knowledge
- Catalyse MSME investment channels
- Create blended finance vehicles – especially by partnering with the Bank of Industry to de-risk loans for women-led SMEs
- Promote financial literacy as a national priority
“Getting this market to move is a deliberate action,” he stated. “We must be apostles and disciples of financial inclusion.”
