The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive strategy to eliminate Ponzi and other pyramid schemes in 2025 as part of its investor protection plan.

In a New Year message delivered over the weekend, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, SEC Director-General, outlines the Commission’s plans to enhance market integrity and bolster investor confidence. “The SEC has emphasised that protecting investors remains a cornerstone of its mission,” Agama states. “We will intensify efforts to stamp out Ponzi and pyramid schemes while paving the way for legitimate investment opportunities to thrive in 2025.”

According to him, “the SEC’s renewed focus comes as part of a broader initiative to revamp regulatory frameworks, improve investigative processes, and hold accountable those who engage in fraudulent activities.”

Agama says that “enforcement is the backbone of effective regulation,” indicating that the commission will enhance its capabilities to address violations decisively.”

In addition to combating fraudulent schemes, the SEC aims to strengthen transparency in securities transactions. “Transparency is at the heart of investor confidence and capital markets,” Agama notes, promising measures that will ensure greater visibility and trust.

The SEC also plans to improve the operations of the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) to facilitate timely resolutions of market disputes. This aligns with the commission’s dual mandate of regulating and developing Nigeria’s capital market, which is vital for integrating it into the broader economy, according to Agama.

As part of its agenda for 2025, the SEC will also focus on developing Nigeria’s commodities market, leveraging the country’s agrarian strengths to create a vibrant ecosystem for both soft and hard commodities. Agama calls on stakeholders to collaborate with the SEC in achieving these goals, noting that “together, we can unlock the potentials of the Nigerian capital market and make this a defining year for our economy.”