The Presidency and the Securities and Exchange Commission have unveiled plans to deepen Nigeria’s capital market and mobilize domestic savings as part of efforts to support the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target.
Under the initiative, the SEC is preparing a National Savings Scheme designed to encourage more Nigerians to save and invest over the long term.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is also expected to endorse the Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan 2.0, a 10-year framework intended to guide the development of the market.
Both initiatives are expected to feature at the Capital Market Conversation scheduled for October 19, 2026 at the State House in Abuja.
The event is expected to bring together local and international investors, listed companies, market operators, infrastructure institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders.
Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, said the administration regarded a stronger capital market as essential to mobilizing investment and widening financial participation.
He said the October event would provide an opportunity to review recent developments in the market and identify measures needed to support further growth.
Zauro said the administration also wanted to broaden access so that ordinary Nigerians could participate more meaningfully in investment opportunities.
He argued that financial inclusion should go beyond access to basic bank accounts and should include opportunities to build assets and participate in the wider economy.
SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama said the proposed National Savings Scheme would be designed to allow Nigerians to save and have those savings invested for future returns.
He said the scheme would include tax incentives and would align with wider fiscal reforms being implemented by the Federal Government.
According to Agama, recent tax reforms could leave some lower-income earners with more disposable income, potentially increasing their capacity to save and invest.
The SEC chief also said the Capital Market Master Plan 2.0 would provide measurable targets for the development of the market over the next decade.
He described the capital market as an important indicator of economic performance and a major source of long-term financing.
The government’s stated objective is to increase domestic savings, widen participation in capital markets and mobilize more patient capital for business growth, infrastructure and investment.
The success of the initiative will depend on the final design of the savings scheme, the strength of investor protections and whether the promised tax incentives are sufficient to attract large-scale participation.
