SEC Urges Registrars to Embrace Innovation and Global Best Practices in Nigeria’s Capital Market
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on registrars and other Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to drive innovation, embrace digital transformation, and explore emerging opportunities that will strengthen Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and position it competitively in the global market.
This charge was delivered by Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, during the 14th Annual Conference and Presidential Investiture of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR), held over the weekend in Lagos. The theme of the 2025 conference was:
“Unlocking Global Value: The Evolving Market Role of Capital Market Registrars in Trust, Efficiency and Innovation.”
A Call for Innovation and Proactivity
Represented by Mr. Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner (Operations) at SEC, Dr. Agama emphasized the need for registrars to remain innovative, proactive, and adaptable in the face of global market changes.
He warned that unregulated market players could take over registrar functions if professionals in the sector fail to evolve, stressing that innovation is no longer optional but critical for survival and relevance in a fast-changing financial landscape.
️ Industry Leaders Emphasize Trust and Transformation
In his goodwill message, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), described registrars as “the quiet custodians of confidence and credibility”, highlighting that their accuracy and efficiency form the backbone of investor trust and corporate governance.
Similarly, Mr. Olakunle Alake, Group Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, delivered the keynote address, outlining three key imperatives for the registrar profession to thrive in the evolving market:
1. Digitisation and Cybersecurity: He urged registrars to adopt digital platforms while ensuring robust safeguards to protect data integrity and maintain investor trust.
2. Capacity Building and Continuous Training: Alake emphasized that upskilling must be non-negotiable, as the world is evolving too quickly for outdated knowledge and manual systems.
3. Global Benchmarking: Registrars should not only meet local standards but strive to align with global best practices, making Nigeria’s capital market more attractive to international investors.
Repositioning for the Future
Adding her voice, Dr. Toyin Sanni, Founder and Vice Chairman of Emerging Africa Group, urged registrars to redefine their role as trusted, technology-enabled partners within the broader investment value chain.
She noted that innovation and trust go hand in hand, and that registrars must leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and client engagement while maintaining their core duty as custodians of investor data and corporate records.
✨ In Summary
The 2025 ICMR Conference underscored a single message — adapt or risk obsolescence. The SEC’s call for innovation and global benchmarking reflects a renewed push to modernize Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, promote investor confidence, and align with the digital future.
By embracing technology, skills development, and global standards, registrars can play a pivotal role in unlocking new value and ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market remains resilient, trustworthy, and globally competitive .
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called on registrars and other Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to drive innovation, embrace digital transformation, and explore emerging opportunities that will strengthen Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and position it competitively in the global market.
This charge was delivered by Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, during the 14th Annual Conference and Presidential Investiture of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR), held over the weekend in Lagos. The theme of the 2025 conference was:
“Unlocking Global Value: The Evolving Market Role of Capital Market Registrars in Trust, Efficiency and Innovation.”
A Call for Innovation and Proactivity
Represented by Mr. Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner (Operations) at SEC, Dr. Agama emphasized the need for registrars to remain innovative, proactive, and adaptable in the face of global market changes.
He warned that unregulated market players could take over registrar functions if professionals in the sector fail to evolve, stressing that innovation is no longer optional but critical for survival and relevance in a fast-changing financial landscape.
️ Industry Leaders Emphasize Trust and Transformation
In his goodwill message, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), described registrars as “the quiet custodians of confidence and credibility”, highlighting that their accuracy and efficiency form the backbone of investor trust and corporate governance.
Similarly, Mr. Olakunle Alake, Group Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited, delivered the keynote address, outlining three key imperatives for the registrar profession to thrive in the evolving market:
1. Digitisation and Cybersecurity: He urged registrars to adopt digital platforms while ensuring robust safeguards to protect data integrity and maintain investor trust.
2. Capacity Building and Continuous Training: Alake emphasized that upskilling must be non-negotiable, as the world is evolving too quickly for outdated knowledge and manual systems.
3. Global Benchmarking: Registrars should not only meet local standards but strive to align with global best practices, making Nigeria’s capital market more attractive to international investors.
Repositioning for the Future
Adding her voice, Dr. Toyin Sanni, Founder and Vice Chairman of Emerging Africa Group, urged registrars to redefine their role as trusted, technology-enabled partners within the broader investment value chain.
She noted that innovation and trust go hand in hand, and that registrars must leverage technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and client engagement while maintaining their core duty as custodians of investor data and corporate records.
✨ In Summary
The 2025 ICMR Conference underscored a single message — adapt or risk obsolescence. The SEC’s call for innovation and global benchmarking reflects a renewed push to modernize Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure, promote investor confidence, and align with the digital future.
By embracing technology, skills development, and global standards, registrars can play a pivotal role in unlocking new value and ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market remains resilient, trustworthy, and globally competitive .