SEC to Prioritise Long-term Capital to Bridge Infrastructure Gap

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says it is prioritising the mobilisation of long-term capital to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure and sectoral gap.

This is while it is streamlining regulatory frameworks and facilitating the issuance of innovative financial instruments to channel disciplined capital into productive sectors of the economy.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, in a New Year message issued in Abuja.

Agama said in 2026, the Commission will facilitate the issuance of infrastructure bonds, green bonds, municipal bonds and infrastructure-focused funds aimed at attracting long-term domestic and international capital into critical sectors.

“Our goal is to attract long-term domestic and international capital into roads, power, rail, housing and digital infrastructure, while making it easier for state governments and infrastructure companies to access the market efficiently,” he said.

The SEC Director-General also announced plans to deepen capital market participation in agriculture by promoting the listing of agribusiness firms and creating tailored listing windows for agricultural cooperatives and value-chain companies.

“Through commodity exchanges, agricultural investment trusts and commodities-linked financial instruments, we will de-risk agriculture, ensure fair pricing for farmers, strengthen food security and allow Nigerians to own a stake in the nation’s breadbasket,” Agama stated.

He further disclosed that the Commission will drive the revitalisation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and introduce innovative affordable housing bonds to unlock capital for mass housing delivery and expand homeownership.

According to him, the SEC is also reviewing its rules to incentivise listings from small and medium-scale enterprises, with a special focus on manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and finished goods.

“By providing patient capital through the capital market, we will revitalise factories, reduce import dependency, create jobs and position ‘Made in Nigeria’ as a global brand,” he said.

Agama added that the Commission will support Nigeria’s power sector through infrastructure bonds, green energy bonds, project-backed securities and public-private investment vehicles.

“We will help unlock long-term capital for grid expansion, renewable energy projects, embedded power solutions and energy transition initiatives. By improving bankability structures and attracting patient capital into the power value chain, the capital market will support energy security,” he noted.

He said the Commission is entering the new year with a renewed sense of purpose, noting that the SEC is not merely turning a page on the calendar but embracing an opportunity to redefine the role of the Nigerian capital market.

“We look back at a year of transformation and look forward to a future where our capital market becomes the definitive solution provider for Nigeria’s most pressing economic and develepmental needs,” Agama said.