The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), United Capital Asset Management, and other key stakeholders have called for inclusive reforms to bridge Nigeria’s investment knowledge and wealth gaps, stressing the need for collective action to deepen financial inclusion through accessible and simplified investment platforms.
This call was made during the second edition of United Capital Asset Management’s flagship Investment Forum, held in Lagos. Themed “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap.”
The event brought together high-profile capital market regulators, financial literacy advocates, digital media leaders, and asset management executives to explore practical strategies for expanding capital market participation among underserved Nigerians.
Delivering the keynote address, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama emphasized that closing Nigeria’s financial literacy gap was not merely a regulatory concern but a national development imperative.
He urged stakeholders to simplify access to capital market products and create structured pathways for informal sector participants to join the investment ecosystem.
In a fireside chat with Group CEO of United Capital Plc , Peter Ashade highlighted key provisions of the newly enacted Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, noting that the reforms were designed to protect investors, strengthen market integrity, and widen access to investment opportunities.
“We must democratize investments and ensure that all Nigerians—regardless of background—can build wealth securely through the capital market,” he said.
Ashade reiterated United Capital’s commitment to driving financial inclusion through education and innovation.
“Our goal remains clear: to create space for meaningful engagement on how the capital market can drive inclusive economic growth,” he said.
“Despite improvements in access to basic financial services, market participation is still worryingly low. The need for reform is now more urgent than ever.”
Managing Director/CEO of United Capital Asset Management, Dr. Odiri Oginni called for a deliberate strategy to close Nigeria’s investment knowledge gap. “Understanding risk, return, and diversification is key,” she stated. “We must go beyond selling financial products to truly educating and empowering people.”
Also speaking at the forum, Chief Executive Officer of Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Advancement (EFInA), Foyinsolami Akinjayeju stressed the need for data-driven strategies to effectively address barriers to investment participation in low-income communities.
She emphasized that inclusive finance is only meaningful when people have the tools and confidence to navigate financial systems.
The event also featured an engaging panel discussion with stakeholders from capital market institutions, digital finance platforms, and financial education advocates.
The conversation focused on strategies for building financial trust, correcting misinformation, expanding the reach of investment products, and fostering long-term wealth creation through regulatory support and digital innovation.
Participants concluded the forum with a shared consensus: achieving a more inclusive investment ecosystem will require coordinated efforts from regulators, market operators, media platforms, and educational institutions.
The consensus also reaffirmed that unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential depends on giving all citizens—regardless of status or geography—the tools to build sustainable wealth through informed investment.