By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it is banking on technology to restore investor confidence, improve transparency, and reposition Nigeria’s capital market for global competitiveness. Still, analysts warn that trust will depend on real results, not promises.
Speaking in Abuja during the 2025 Customer Service Week, themed “Building the Market of the Future, One Interaction at a Time,” SEC Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said digital innovation has become the cornerstone of the Commission’s service strategy.
Agama noted that the digitisation of SEC processes, the introduction of new online service portals, and enhanced engagement through digital platforms are designed to make the market more efficient, accessible, and transparent.
“Our goal is to make the Nigerian capital market more user-friendly and globally competitive,” he said.
Despite the enthusiasm, market watchers remain cautious. Some investors and operators argue that previous reform drives, including e-filing systems and electronic disclosure initiatives, suffered setbacks due to weak implementation, data bottlenecks, and poor interface with existing market platforms.
A senior broker who spoke under anonymity said, “The SEC has made similar pledges before, but investors need to see a measurable impact. The issue has never been about technology alone; it’s about consistency, reliability, and regulatory follow-through.”
Agama admitted that while technology remains a vital enabler, human interaction remains central to investor relations.
“Technology is only an enabler,” he said. “The heart of excellent service is still the human connection, the ability to listen, understand, and respond effectively to stakeholders.”
He pledged that the Commission would continue to invest in staff training, digital infrastructure, and customer service tools to empower frontline officers to resolve investor complaints promptly.
Agama described customer-facing staff as the “true heroes” of the market, adding that SEC’s long-term vision is to create a vibrant, technology-driven ecosystem anchored on efficiency and trust.
“Let every day be Customer Service Day at the Nigerian SEC,” he said. “We must build the market of the future through every successful transaction, every resolved complaint, and every satisfied investor.”
However, analysts insist that only consistent delivery, visible accountability, and measurable outcomes will determine whether the Commission’s latest reforms can finally restore faith in a market long tainted by distrust, poor service, and weak regulatory enforcement.
