The Securities and Exchange Commission has called on Nigerians to harness the country’s demographic dividend to drive financial inclusion and economic growth by 2030.
Demographic dividend refers to the growth in an economy that results from a change in the age structure of a country’s population.
The Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, made the call on Wednesday during the United Capital Asset Management Investment Forum in Lagos. He emphasised the importance of investing in knowledge and wealth to bridge Nigeria’s growing inequality gap.
“Our theme, ‘Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments’, is not aspirational; it is foundational to national survival,” Agama said. “We stand at a pivotal moment. By 2030, Nigeria can either harness its demographic dividend or face deepening inequality. The knowledge-wealth gap is not merely an economic challenge; it is a moral imperative.”
Agama highlighted that true financial inclusion means active involvement in the capital market, where access is paired with empowerment, allowing capital to become a transformative tool.
He also pointed out the urgent need to close the financial inclusion gender gap, noting that doing so could lift 700,000 Nigerians out of poverty.
“Nigeria has a great population, yet only a tiny fraction participates in the capital market. That is one reason for persistent poverty: we are running from money,” Agama added.
“Our market capitalisation presents a tremendous opportunity to change this narrative.”
The SEC boss praised the impact of MTN Nigeria’s recent share offering, which attracted 150,000 new investors, 75 per cent of whom were women and 85 per cent under the age of 40.
To accelerate progress, Agama recommended a four-pillar strategy that includes democratising financial knowledge, catalysing MSME investment channels, and partnering with institutions like the Bank of Industry to de-risk loans for women-led SMEs.
“We need to educate people about finances. As we drive this market, we do so with a purpose. I enjoin everyone to be both disciples and apostles. Getting this market to move is a deliberate action,” he concluded.
