President Bola Tinubu has signed the Investments and Securities Act 2025 into law, introducing significant reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capital market and aligning it with global standards.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) highlighted that the new law replaces the Investments and Securities Act 2007, enhancing investor protection, market oversight, and regulatory efficiency. SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama described it as a transformative step toward a more resilient and inclusive financial system.
Key provisions include the recognition of virtual assets like cryptocurrencies as securities under SEC regulation, stricter penalties for Ponzi scheme operators, and an expanded definition of securities to cover investment contracts. The Act also classifies securities exchanges into Composite and Non-Composite categories and introduces measures to boost commodity trading and warehouse receipts.
Market analysts have welcomed the reforms, expecting them to deepen Nigeria’s capital market and attract more investments. The SEC has assured stakeholders of a seamless transition and ongoing engagements to ensure smooth implementation.