Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka Anite, and the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Dr Emomotimi Agama, are unanimous that the judiciary upholding the wheel of justice will inspire confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.
Speaking at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Judges’ Workshop held in Abuja on Monday, Shettima emphasised the importance of effective dispute resolution mechanisms in underpinning investor confidence and market stability.
Themed ‘Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution’, the workshop brought together the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges, Attorney-General, SEC officials, and key legal practitioners.
The Vice President submitted that a strong and trustworthy capital market is fundamental to national economic transformation.
He noted that, beyond its role as a trading platform, the capital market mobilises long-term funds crucial for infrastructure, business expansion, and job creation, all of which are vital to Nigeria’s development goals amid a young and growing population.
Shettima emphasised that investor trust is contingent upon a legal system that can resolve disputes promptly and fairly.
He added that “justice delayed is justice denied,” especially in financial markets, where timing is critical while urging judges to deepen their knowledge of capital market laws and work closely with the SEC to uphold market integrity.
He also reassured participants of the government’s commitment to supporting judicial independence and improving access to justice, including through alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation and arbitration, which aim to ease court congestion and expedite settlements.
Also speaking, Agama noted that the workshop aims to enhance judicial capacity, promote consistency in rulings, and foster collaboration between regulators and the judiciary.
He commended the President and the National Assembly for the successful passage and signing into law of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025.
He said: “The ISA 2025 is a legislative success, a legal milestone and a reform that ushers in a new era for our capital market. By enacting this progressive law, Nigeria has taken a bold step toward fostering a more transparent, efficient, resilient and secure investment climate. The diligent efforts of the Executive and Legislative arms in ensuring the seamless passage of this Act reflect a shared commitment to economic growth, financial stability and sustainable development.
He added that within the context of national economic transformation, the capital markets assume a more prominent role, as no economy can develop without a vibrant and resilient capital market that facilitates capital formation and promotes economic growth.
“The capital market is critical to addressing our challenges, such as infrastructure deficit and unemployment, by supplying the government with long-term financing for infrastructure and allowing companies to raise funds to expand their operations and create jobs,” he said.
On her part, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, stated that the capital market is no longer a distant abstraction limited to high finance or institutional investors, adding that it has become a critical lever for economic participation and empowerment.
She explained, “From pension contributors and fintech entrepreneurs to diaspora bond subscribers and small-scale investors, the capital market affects livelihoods, opportunities, and national competitiveness. As such, it is not merely an economic mechanism; it is a democratic tool for wealth creation and national stability. Yet, like all vital systems, it is vulnerable.
“The capital market is a repository of trust but also a potential site of distortion. It is a platform for innovation but also susceptible to fraud and regulatory arbitrage. In this regard, the Judiciary has a profound role to play.”
The CJN maintained that the recent enactment of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025, is a welcome development, adding that the provisions offer enhanced regulatory clarity and investor protection mechanisms.
She added, “Our task, therefore, is to breathe life into these five statutory instruments and to give them meaning that aligns with legislative intent, commercial logic, and ethical consciousness.
“This workshop is a platform for self-examination and renewal, a crucible for deepening our understanding of the demands that modern financial adjudication places on the Bench.”
In her comments, Uzoka-Anite emphasises the significance of the platform for dialogue and capacity building among institutions responsible for maintaining financial market integrity.
She described the capital market as a catalyst for economic growth, structural development, innovation, and job creation, especially in a potentially rich economy like Nigeria.
According to her, the collaboration between regulators, the judiciary, and all stakeholders is essential to preserve public trust, resolve disputes efficiently, and ensure consistent interpretation and application of capital market laws.
She identified the SEC as a critical partner in achieving Nigeria’s economic agenda through regulatory oversight of the capital market.
