Economy
Crowdfunding Will Unlock Untapped Capital in Economy—SEC
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has further thrown its weight behind crowdfunding, stressing that its operationalization will accelerate the financial inclusion agenda in Nigeria by increasing the quantum of investible funds in the financial system and unlocking the untapped capital in the economy.
The Executive Commissioner for Operations at SEC, Mr Dayo Obisan, described crowdfunding as a new phenomenon growing popular in Nigeria.
He further said the platform is an innovative source of finance which provides micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups the avenue to raise capital from the crowd (populace) by harnessing the power of the internet.
Speaking at a webinar with the theme Accelerating Financial Inclusion Through Crowdfunding, Mr Obisan said in “realization of the potentials of crowdfunding, the commission’s rules issued in January 2021 has taken concrete steps to improve the regulatory framework for crowdfunding by the introduction of the operational framework between the fundraisers and the investing public in Nigeria.”
“The framework amongst others makes it mandatory for any investment-based crowdfunding to be operated only by intermediaries through the issuance of investment instruments. This will no doubt provide an additional opportunity for MSMEs, startups and the general public to quicker fundraising options,” he added.
The senior official of SEC further stated that, “It is strongly believed that the capital market has a leading role to play in this regard by collaborating with relevant stakeholders to map out strategies for deepening the capital market through Financial Inclusion as well as continuous enlightenment programs with a focus on collective investment schemes.”
“Certainly, this roundtable discussion promises to be exciting. The faculty gathered here are experts in various fields and set to impact knowledge on Understanding crowdfunding, its regulatory framework in Nigeria and the potential of crowdfunding in accelerating retail participation in the capital market.
“I encourage every participant to take advantage of this educative forum as I have no doubt that this subject will lead to the birth of new ideas that will equip us with the requisites knowledge and skills to achieving financial inclusion through crowdfunding,” he added.
Mr Obisan said the event hosted by the SEC was the first in a series since the commission’s rules governing crowdfunding became effective in January 2021 with the main objective of “investor safety” and is aimed at providing a platform for knowledge and experience sharing among participants.
“It is also to raise awareness of participants, and indeed Nigerians, on crowdfunding as a funding mechanism for start-ups and MSMEs, to enlighten them on experiences and lessons on crowdfunding from other jurisdictions as it an alternative way of investment and financing of businesses,” he further disclosed.
He commended participants on their keen interest in the potential of achieving an all-inclusive capital market for advancement and the growth of the Nigerian economy.
In her remarks, the President of the African Crowd Funding Association, Mrs Elizabeth Howard, described crowdfunding as an umbrella term that explains the use of small amounts of money, obtained from a large number of individuals or organisations to fund a project, a business or personal loan and other needs through online web-based platforms, noting that it is like putting money in a wallet.
Also speaking the Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), Mr Eguarekhide Longe, stated that crowdfunding could aid capital mobilisation for economic growth and development.
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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