Economy
Capital Market Critical to Economic Growth—SEC
By Dipo Olowookere
Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Mary Uduk, has described the Nigerian capital market as very critical to the attainment of economic growth and development of the nation.
The SEC chief, speaking on Tuesday when she visited some media houses in Lagos, said the capital market can assist the country achieve its infrastructural development, while also creating wealth for citizens.
Represented by the Head of External Relations Department at SEC, Mr Sufian Abdulkarim, Ms Uduk noted that the agency was stepping up regulation to ensure that Nigerians are able to invest in the market and get returns on their investment.
“We have zero tolerance for infections in the market and will not hesitate to apply the necessary sanctions on any operator that is found wanting. We are doing all of these to make the investor know that his money is safe in the market,” she said.
While commending the media on their role in educating and enlightening members of the public on the opportunities that abound in the capital market, she, however, stated that more needs to be done for it to perform better.
“We are aware of the support and cooperation we have received from the media so far, but we want to further solicit your help especially as it relates to issues around our recent initiatives, to enlighten investors on the need for them to key-in,” she said.
“We urge Nigerians to go out and register for the e-dividend, they need to consolidate their multiple accounts as these are some of the ways they can get the benefits of investing in the market while also reducing the unclaimed dividends profile,” Ms Uduk continued.
“We also have the Direct Cash Settlement which makes it possible for investors accounts to be credited directly when there is a transaction.
“We have also migrated from physical share certificates to electronic ones. All these initiatives are geared towards marking our market perform better and ensure investors receive the benefits of their investments,” the capital market expert stated further.
However, the SEC boss cautioned investors to ensure they do due diligence before investing their hard-earned money on any product to avoid patronising fund managers that are not registered.
“Investors should cross check before they put their money in any fund. A list of registered fund managers can be found on the SEC website,” she said.
Ms Uduk said it is important for people to understand the workings of the capital market and not have the misconception that they must have a lot of money before they can invest.
She said the SEC has continued to educate and enlighten Nigerians about the investment opportunities available in the market and urged potential investors to engage professionals who will guide them on relevant products to invest in.
“In the past, people just go to stockbrokers to buy stocks without having proper knowledge of what to buy, but now, we are encouraging people to go through the investment schemes.
“If you don’t know anything about stocks go through CIS and invest in different stocks so that professionals can manage your investments.
“You do not have to have so much money or any formal education to be able to invest in this market. There are professionals who will advise you and tell you the best product to invest in to suit your needs. They will also assist you to manage such investments,” she added.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The pre-registration training and examination for capital market operators (CMOs) for the second quarter of 2026 has been postponed.
Business Post gathered that the new date for the exercise is now Monday, June 15, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a circular on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Nigerian capital market regulator stated that this postponement has also resulted in the extension of the deadline for registration to Friday, June 12, 2026.
In the notice today, the SEC expressed its regret for the inconvenience this action may cause operators, who had prepared for the initial date of the training and examination.
“Further to the recent circular on Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hereby informs all eligible applicants for the Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination that the commencement date has been postponed to Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Registration on the designated portal has also been extended to Friday, June 12, 2026. All other conditions contained in the circular remain unchanged.
“The commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding of all applicants,” the disclosure noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading healthcare firms in Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has listed additional shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The new stocks absorbed into the stock market were 600 million units, raising the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each from 2,400,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
The fresh equities came from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share.
They were issued to existing investors on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Confirming the development, the regulator in a notice said, “Trading licence holders are hereby notified that an additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each of Fidson Healthcare Plc were on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, listed on the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“With the listing of the additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson Healthcare Plc have now increased from 2,400,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
This news will surely excite local contractors with verified claims of N100 million or less, as the federal government has approved their payments.
This approval for the disbursement was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
This followed a verification and reconciliation exercise designed to ensure only validated claims qualify for payment.
The beneficiaries cover contractors across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. The release of the funds is expected to enable contractors to return to project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers and meet outstanding financial commitments.
In an announcement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also said this latest batch of payments would ease liquidity pressure on small businesses and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
It was noted that the payments for verified claims of N100 million below were strategically done to spread economic impact broadly rather than concentrate disbursements among a handful of large firms.
The payments form part of a broader push to clear inherited contractor obligations, with over N700 billion verified in recent months.
“For many beneficiaries, the release of funds represents more than a financial transaction. It provides the certainty needed to sustain operations, preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects, and contribute to economic recovery and growth,” the ministry said in a statement.
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