ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Securities and Exchange Commission and industry stakeholders on Monday advocated stronger participation of women in Nigeria’s capital market, noting that female professionals play a vital role in strengthening financial institutions and boosting investor confidence.
The call was made during the celebration of International Women’s Day at the SEC headquarters in Abuja, where regulators and financial experts highlighted the importance of increased female leadership, improved financial literacy, and greater investment participation by women within the financial ecosystem.
Delivering his keynote address, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, said women had consistently served as key pillars of the Nigerian capital market and deserved wider recognition for their contributions to the growth of the financial system.
Agama stated that the commission had witnessed the resilience, dedication, and leadership of women across various roles within the organisation and the broader capital market.
“Today, this morning, the Securities and Exchange Commission is celebrating the women who stand as pillars of the Nigerian capital market,” he said.
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He added that female professionals had demonstrated remarkable strength and commitment in driving the development of the market.
The SEC Director-General also noted that women had significantly influenced his professional journey, revealing that his most impactful mentor during his more than two decades at the commission was a woman.
“I can proudly say, even as the Director-General of the SEC, that my main mentor at the SEC was a woman. She taught me the crucibles of the capital market. She taught me with passion, with integrity, and with values,” he said.
Agama also acknowledged the contributions of women who had previously held key leadership positions in the commission, including former SEC Director-General Arunma Oteh, former Acting Director-General Mary Uduk, and other female leaders in the organisation.
He said women within the commission continued to provide strong professional support that had helped drive institutional progress, while urging men to recognise the critical role women play in shaping society and advancing professional development.
Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MoneyWise International, Toyin Alabi, urged women to strengthen their financial decision-making capacity and take advantage of investment opportunities within the capital market.
Alabi said many women still face challenges in achieving financial empowerment despite working in financial institutions or related sectors.
“Truthfully, a lot of women don’t have the right empowerment in terms of the aspect of finance,” she said.
According to her, achieving financial independence requires women to move beyond earning income to prioritising savings, investments, and wealth creation.
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She noted that although many professionals understand the importance of investing, they often struggle with maintaining the discipline necessary for long-term financial growth.
“Personal finance is 20 per cent knowledge and 80 per cent behaviour,” she said.
She also cautioned women against fraudulent investment schemes and stressed the importance of making informed financial decisions. “The first rule of investing is that if there’s any iota of doubt or a possibility that money will be lost, don’t invest,” she added.
Alabi further encouraged women to embrace long-term financial planning and develop consistent saving habits that would help them build sustainable wealth.
“Saving money may not make you rich, but it gives you peace of mind,” she said.
In her remarks, the Executive Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement at the SEC, Frana Chukwuogor, said women working within the capital market regulator had demonstrated exceptional resilience, professionalism, and integrity.
Chukwuogor noted that women in the organisation were making meaningful contributions not only professionally but also within their families and communities.
She also encouraged participants to contribute positively to society by supporting education and helping to combat financial fraud.
She further urged participants to actively expose fraudulent investment schemes.
Also speaking, the Executive Commissioner for Operations at the SEC, Bola Ajomale, said women play a crucial role in shaping society and strengthening institutions.
He noted that the commission was intentionally creating opportunities for women to excel within the organisation and across the capital market.
Ajomale also stressed the importance of female leadership and mentorship within organisations, noting that women often bring unique perspectives and thoughtful insights to decision-making processes.
The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, with participants emphasising the need to strengthen women’s inclusion and influence in Nigeria’s capital market and the wider financial system.