Yemisi Izuora
The Director General (DG) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering innovation in the capital market while ensuring the security of investors’ funds.
Speaking during his keynote address at the Comercio Partners H2 2025 Outlook event, Dr. Agama said the SEC is actively engaging with fintech startups, blockchain developers, and quantum technology researchers to craft regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with investor protection.
He noted that the world is at a critical turning point where traditional models of global trade, finance, and investment are being transformed by rapid technological advances, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and the emergence of groundbreaking innovations such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.
“For Nigeria and the broader African continent, this presents both
unprecedented opportunities and formidable challenges”, he added.
He explained further: “For decades, global trade has been the backbone of economic growth, driven by comparative advantage,
supply chain efficiencies, and multilateral agreements.
“However, recent disruptions—from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical
tensions—have exposed the vulnerabilities of over-reliance on traditional
trade models. As nations recalibrate their economic strategies, the focus is shifting toward innovation-driven growth. The rise of digital economies, decentralized finance (DeFi), and quantum technologies signals a new era where intellectual capital and technological prowess will define competitive advantage.”
Agama who described quantum innovation as the next frontier, said it encompasses “quantum computing, cryptography, and communication—promises to revolutionize industries from finance to healthcare. For capital markets, quantum computing could redefine risk modelling, asset pricing, and fraud detection, offering unparalleled speed and accuracy”.
He stressed that the SEC Nigeria “is committed to fostering a regulatory
environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding market integrity.
We are actively engaging with fintech startups, blockchain innovators, and
quantum researchers to develop frameworks that balance progress with
investor protection”.
He held tha the future belongs to nations that invest in “STEM education and digital skills. Collaborations between academia,
industry, and government are critical to building a workforce ready for the
quantum age.
“Quantum innovation requires significant R&D investment. We urge private sector stakeholders to collaborate with
government in funding research hubs and pilot projects.
“Africa, with its youthful population and untapped potential, can leapfrog into the quantum economy by: Leveraging blockchain for transparent capital markets; Adopting AI and big data to enhance financial inclusion; and Creating innovation sandboxes to test emerging technologies.
“Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, must lead this charge. The SEC is
exploring policies to support tokenized assets, digital securities, and green
bonds—all aligned with a sustainable, tech-driven future”.