SEC, Nasarawa partner to protect investment assets

L - R: President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke; Representstive of Fed Min of Finance, SEC Board, Dr. Mohammed Ali; SEC Board Chairman, Alhaji Mairiga Aliyu; Executive Commissioner Corporate Services SEC, Mrs. Samiya Usman; and Non-Executive Commissioner, SEC, Garba Kurfi at the Nationwide Market Outreach Programme on Unclaimed Funds held at the Ta’al Conference Hotel, Lafia, Nassarawa State. | Credit: SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission has intensified efforts to promote financial literacy, strengthen investor protection, and expand participation in the Nigerian capital market through its capital market awareness, unclaimed funds, and investor education outreach programme held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The programme, according to a statement by the SEC on Monday, brought together representatives of relevant institutions, academia, and other stakeholders to promote awareness of investment opportunities, facilitate access to unclaimed dividends, and educate the public on measures to guard against fraudulent investment schemes.

Present at the event were representatives of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars, the Probate Registry, key departments of the SEC, academia, and the National Population Commission. Their participation underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing the challenges associated with unclaimed investments and improving public understanding of the capital market. SEC board members present also reaffirmed the necessity of sustained public enlightenment to protect investors while broadening market access.

A key highlight of the engagement was a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the SEC, Alhaji Mairiga Katuka, to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, to appreciate the state’s support and seek deeper collaboration in advancing investor education and financial inclusion.

During the visit, Katuka expressed gratitude to the governor for providing a strategically located office space in Lafia for the commission’s liaison office, situated within the complex previously occupied by the State Ministry of Education. The facility is expected to become operational soon to bring the regulator’s services closer to residents.

The SEC Chairman described the gesture as a significant contribution to strengthening the commission’s presence in the state, noting that Nasarawa’s growing economic potential makes it a vital partner in expanding market participation.

• Dangote refinery IPO attracts fourfold subscriptions, offer extended
• Dangote extends refinery IPO to attract more African investors
• NGX targets N300trn market cap, pushes for more listings

“An informed population is better equipped to make sound financial decisions, protect its savings, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” Katuka stated, explaining that the outreach forms part of nationwide efforts to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate opportunities, and assist Nigerians in recovering unclaimed funds.

He further solicited the state government’s support in mobilising business owners, cooperative societies, youth groups, and market associations to participate actively in the initiative.

In his response, Governor Sule commended the SEC for its regulatory role in promoting investor protection and fostering confidence in the capital market. He acknowledged the value of the commission’s work in maintaining a transparent and orderly market while highlighting the importance of state-level collaboration to drive economic development.

Addressing the issue of unclaimed dividends and assets at the outreach, the SEC noted that such funds, often tied up due to incomplete records, outdated shareholder information, or probate delays, represent the hard-earned savings of individuals and families that must be restored to their rightful owners.

To resolve these bottlenecks, the commission urged investors to leverage the enhanced e-Dividend Mandate Management System, which enables direct dividend payments into bank accounts and simplifies record updates, while calling on registrars and market stakeholders to improve record management and service delivery.