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

In addition, the SEC plans to streamline regulatory frameworks while supporting the issuance of innovative financial instruments that will channel investment into productive areas of the economy.

This was contained in a New Year message delivered in Abuja by the Director General of the Commission, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, who said the capital market will play a more strategic role in national development going forward.

Agama stated that in 2026, the Commission will facilitate the issuance of infrastructure bonds, green bonds, municipal bonds and infrastructure-focused funds as part of efforts to deepen structured financing for critical national assets.

According to him, “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 added that the SEC will also promote increased participation of the agricultural sector in the capital market by encouraging the listing of agribusiness firms and creating tailored listing windows for agricultural cooperatives and value-chain companies.

“We will promote the listing of agribusiness firms and create 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,” he said.

The Director General further disclosed that the Commission will drive the revitalisation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and introduce innovative affordable housing bonds to improve access to capital for large-scale housing delivery.

“These initiatives will unlock capital for mass housing delivery, create new asset classes for investors, and move millions of Nigerians closer to homeownership,” he stated.

Agama explained that the Commission is also reviewing its rules to encourage more listings from small and medium-scale industries, especially in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and finished goods.

According to him, “We are reviewing our rules to incentivize listings from small and medium-scale industries, with special focus on manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and finished goods. By providing patient capital through the capital market, we will revitalize factories, reduce import dependency, create jobs, and position ‘Made in Nigeria’ as a global brand.”

He noted that the SEC will support Nigeria’s power sector by facilitating instruments such as infrastructure bonds, green energy bonds, project-backed securities and public–private investment vehicles.

“The SEC 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 said.

Agama stated that the beginning of the new year presents the opportunity for the Commission to deepen the purpose and impact of the Nigerian capital market.

He said, “We are not merely turning a page on the calendar; we are embracing a profound opportunity—an opportunity to redefine the very purpose and power of the Nigerian Capital Market.”

The SEC boss noted that the past year marked a period of transformation for the market and expressed confidence that the coming period would further strengthen its role in driving sustainable economic growth.

“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 developmental needs,” he added. (The Nation)