The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government to promote financial literacy, protect investors and expand public participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
The call was made during the Commission’s Capital Market Awareness, Unclaimed Funds and Investor Education Outreach Programme held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The programme was designed to educate residents on legitimate investment opportunities, facilitate the recovery of unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, and sensitise the public to the dangers of fraudulent investment schemes.
The event attracted representatives of relevant institutions, academia, the Probate Registry, the National Population Commission and various departments of the SEC, among other stakeholders.
Their participation highlighted the importance of institutional cooperation in addressing the challenges of unclaimed investments and improving public understanding of the capital market.
Members of the SEC Board also delivered goodwill messages, emphasising the need for sustained investor education, public enlightenment and measures to strengthen confidence in the market.
A major highlight of the programme was a courtesy visit by the SEC Chairman, Alhaji Mairiga Aliyu Katuka, to Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, during which he appreciated the state government’s support and sought deeper cooperation to advance financial inclusion and investor education.
During the visit, Katuka expressed gratitude to the governor for providing strategically located office space in Lafia for the Commission’s liaison office.
The facility, located within the complex formerly occupied by the State Ministry of Education, is expected to become operational soon, bringing SEC services closer to investors and residents of the state.
He described the gesture as an important step towards strengthening the Commission’s presence in Nasarawa and improving access to its services.
In his response, Governor Sule commended the SEC for its regulatory role in Nigeria’s capital market, particularly its efforts to protect investors, promote transparency and strengthen public confidence.
The governor also acknowledged the importance of initiatives designed to improve awareness of investment opportunities and encourage Nigerians to make informed financial decisions.
The engagement underscored the need for sustained collaboration between the Commission and the state government to promote financial inclusion, investment and economic development.
Katuka also praised the Nasarawa State Government for its efforts to promote investment, enterprise development, industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
He noted that the state’s growing economic potential made it an important partner in the Commission’s efforts to broaden participation in the Nigerian capital market.
The SEC chairman explained that the outreach programme formed part of the Commission’s nationwide initiatives to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate investment opportunities, protect investors and assist Nigerians in recovering unclaimed dividends and other investment assets.
He urged the state government to help mobilise business owners, cooperative societies, youth groups, market associations and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the initiative.
According to him, an informed population is better positioned to make sound financial decisions, safeguard its savings and contribute to economic growth.
At the outreach,
