Regulators and financial experts highlight women’s role in strengthening investor confidence and financial institutions……
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and leading financial experts have called for stronger participation of women in Nigeria’s capital market, emphasising that greater female inclusion is essential for strengthening financial institutions and boosting investor confidence.
The call was made on Monday during activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration at the SEC headquarters in Abuja, where regulators and industry stakeholders discussed the need for increased female leadership, improved financial literacy, and broader investment participation among women.
In his keynote address, the Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, described women as key pillars of the Nigerian capital market, noting that their contributions have played an important role in the growth and stability of the financial system.
“Today, the Securities and Exchange Commission celebrates the women who stand as pillars of the Nigerian capital market,” Agama said.
According to him, women across various roles within the commission and the broader financial ecosystem have consistently demonstrated resilience, commitment, and strong leadership.
Agama also shared a personal reflection on the influence women have had on his professional journey, revealing that his most significant mentor during his more than two decades at the commission was a woman.
“I can proudly say that my main mentor at the SEC was a woman. She taught me the fundamentals of the capital market with passion, integrity, and strong values,” he said.
The SEC boss further acknowledged the contributions of women who previously held key leadership positions within the organisation, including former Director-General Arunma Oteh and former Acting Director-General Mary Uduk.
He noted that female professionals within the commission continue to provide strong institutional support that has helped drive the organisation’s progress over the years.
Agama also urged men to recognise the critical role women play in shaping both professional environments and society at large.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MoneyWise International, Toyin Alabi, encouraged women to take greater control of their financial decisions and actively explore investment opportunities within the capital market.
According to Alabi, many women still struggle with financial empowerment despite working in professional sectors.
“Truthfully, many women do not yet have the right level of financial empowerment,” she said.
She stressed that financial independence requires more than earning income, urging women to focus on long-term savings, investments, and wealth creation.
Alabi explained that while many professionals understand the importance of investing, they often fail to develop the discipline needed for consistent financial growth.
“Personal finance is 20 per cent knowledge and 80 per cent behaviour,” she said.
She also cautioned women against falling victim to fraudulent investment schemes, advising them to conduct proper checks before committing funds.
“The first rule of investing is that if there is any doubt about losing your money, then do not invest,” she added.
Alabi further encouraged women to develop strong saving habits and long-term financial planning strategies.
“Saving money may not necessarily make you rich, but it gives you peace of mind,” she said.
In her remarks, the Executive Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Frana Chukwuogor, said women within the commission had consistently demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and integrity in their roles.
She noted that female professionals in the organisation were making significant contributions not only within the workplace but also within their families and communities.
Chukwuogor also urged participants to play active roles in promoting education and exposing fraudulent investment schemes that threaten the integrity of the financial system.
Similarly, the Executive Commissioner for Operations at the SEC, Bola Ajomale, highlighted the importance of women in building strong institutions and shaping society.
According to him, the commission has been deliberate in creating opportunities that enable women to grow and succeed within the organisation and across the capital market.
Ajomale emphasised that women often bring unique perspectives and thoughtful analysis to decision-making processes, which strengthens organisational leadership.
Participants at the event agreed that expanding women’s inclusion and influence within the capital market will be essential to sustaining growth in Nigeria’s financial system.
They stressed that empowering women with financial knowledge and leadership opportunities would help unlock new investment potential and deepen participation in the country’s capital market.
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