By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama has disclosed that by formalising Commodities and Warehouse receipts the capital market can unlock $500 billion in dormant agricultural and mineral assets.Agama, who stated this at a national workshop of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in Abuja Tuesday, said the move would transform them into tradable securities.

According to him, that would help the economy diversify from the oil and gas industry, and create wealth for the country. Agama explained that the Investments and Securities Act 2025 has empowered the SEC to take decisive actions to promote the sector.“The Act sharpens the SEC’s regulatory focus, ensuring it operates with the precision and authority required to steward a rapidly expanding market”, he stated.He added: “Today, I speak not just about the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as a legislative milestone, but as a strategic blueprint to propel Nigeria into the league of top global economies.“This Act is not merely an update—it is a revolution. It dismantles legacy constraints, embeds global best practices, and positions our market as the engine room for national prosperity. The question before us is no longer if Nigeria can achieve a $1 trillion economy, but how soon—and the capital market, under this new Act, will be the accelerant”.The SEC DG stressed that the Commission “now has explicit powers to shut down Ponzi schemes and prosecute offenders—ending the era of “get-rich-quick” scams that erode market confidence.“Investors are now covered for losses from revoked dealer licenses—a long-awaited safeguard that will boost participation. Trust is the currency of our capital markets. Without it, liquidity dries up”.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) convened its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, to review the activities and financial performance of the organisation for the fiscal year ended December 31st, 2024. The meeting, which took place at the NESG Summit House in Lagos and virtually, brought together directors, members, and key stakeholders of the Group.

In his address at the meeting, Niyi Yusuf, Chairman of the NESG Board of Directors, extended his sincere appreciation to the board, management, and members of the think tank for their unwavering dedication to national interest and economic development. He acknowledged the Group’s achievements over the past year, despite prevailing economic and policy challenges, and urged stakeholders to remain committed to NESG’s mission of promoting sustainable development through evidence-based policy advocacy and public-private dialogue.One of the key highlights of the AGM was the presentation and adoption of the NESG’s year-end financial statements for 2024, which reflected the Group’s continued commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and impact-driven programming.The AGM also featured the reappointment of several distinguished individuals to the NESG Board of Directors.With these additions and reappointments, the NESG Board is now composed of 23 accomplished professionals drawn from diverse sectors of the economy, reflecting the Group’s commitment to inclusive leadership and expert representation.In his closing remarks, Yusuf commended all members and directors for their continued support and reaffirmed the Group’s resolve to work collaboratively with the public and private sectors to drive reforms, unlock investments, and foster inclusive growth.He also encouraged Nigerians across all works of life to remain innovative, resilient, and steadfast in contributing to the country’s long-term development, adding that the NESG remains committed to championing policy reforms and partnerships that catalyse Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Amb Gabriel Tanimu Aduda has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of staff as a cornerstone of the Ministry’s administrative agenda.Aduda, who spoke at the official commissioning of a newly refurbished staff bus at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, highlighted the significance of staff-centered initiatives in driving institutional efficiency and productivity.

“This refurbished bus is not just a means of transport; it is a statement of our commitment to improving the working conditions and overall well-being of our dedicated personnel,” he said.“We will continue to roll out projects and policies that boost staff morale and enhance the work environment, ” he added.The upgraded vehicle is intended to ease daily commuting challenges and reduce transportation-related stress for staff members. Aduda noted that the transportation initiative will be implemented in phases to ensure broad coverage and impact staff of the ministry.The event was attended by directors, union leaders, and members of staff, who commended the Permanent Secretary for his visionary leadership and expressed appreciation for his continued efforts to prioritize staff welfare. Many lauded the move as timely and impactful, pledging their renewed dedication to the Ministry’s service delivery objectives.