The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria, has stepped up its drive to boost financial literacy, safeguard investors and widen participation in the Nigerian capital market through its Capital Market Awareness, Unclaimed Funds and Investor Education Outreach Programme, held in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The programme brought together representatives of relevant institutions, academia and other stakeholders to promote awareness of investment opportunities, facilitate access to unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, and educate the public on measures to guard against fraudulent investment schemes.

Among those present were representatives of the ICMR, the Probate Registry, key departments of the Securities and Exchange Commission, academia and the National Population Commission. Their participation underscored the importance of institutional collaboration in addressing the challenges associated with unclaimed investments and improving public understanding of the capital market.

Members of the SEC Board who attended the programme also delivered goodwill messages, reaffirming the importance of investor education, public enlightenment and sustained efforts to protect investors while broadening access to the capital market.

A major highlight of the engagement was a courtesy visit by the SEC Chairman, Alhaji Mairiga Aliyu Katuka, to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, to appreciate the state government’s support and seek stronger collaboration in advancing investor education and financial inclusion.

During the courtesy visit, Katuka expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing strategically located office space in Lafia for the Commission’s liaison office.

The facility, situated within the complex previously occupied by the State Ministry of Education, is expected to become operational soon, bringing the Commission’s services closer to investors and residents of Nasarawa State.

The SEC Chairman described the gesture as a significant contribution to strengthening the Commission’s presence in the state and improving access to its services.

In his response, Governor Sule commended the SEC for its work in the Nigerian capital market, acknowledging the importance of the Commission’s regulatory role and its efforts to promote investor protection and strengthen confidence in the market. He also recognised the significance of initiatives aimed at improving public awareness of investment opportunities and encouraging informed participation in the capital market.

The Governor’s commendation highlighted the value of the Commission’s work in promoting a transparent and orderly market, while underscoring the importance of collaboration between the SEC and the Nasarawa State Government in advancing financial inclusion and economic development.

Katuka also commended the state government’s efforts to promote investment, enterprise, industrialisation and sustainable economic development, noting that Nasarawa’s growing economic potential makes it an important partner in expanding participation in the Nigerian capital market.

He explained that the Commission’s outreach initiative forms part of its nationwide efforts to improve financial literacy, promote legitimate investment opportunities, protect investors and assist Nigerians in recovering unclaimed dividends and other investment assets.

He solicited the state government’s support in mobilising business owners, cooperative societies, youth groups, market associations and other stakeholders to participate actively in the programme.

According to him, an informed population is better equipped to make sound financial decisions, protect its savings and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.

At the outreach programme, the Commission highlighted the challenge of unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, emphasising the need to ensure that investors can access funds rightfully belonging to them.

Unclaimed investments may arise from incomplete investor records, outdated shareholder information, changes in bank account details and difficulties associated with transferring investments following the death of an investor.

The Commission stressed that such funds represent the savings and investments of individuals and families and should be accessible to their rightful owners through established procedures.

To address the challenge, the SEC highlighted the enhanced e-Dividend Mandate Management System, which facilitates the direct payment of dividends into shareholders’ bank accounts and enables investors to update their records more conveniently.

Investors were encouraged to regularise their investment information and take advantage of the available facilities to facilitate the recovery of outstanding dividends.

The Commission also emphasised the importance of cooperation among registrars and other market stakeholders in improving record management, enhancing service delivery and resolving outstanding claims.

The programme further reinforced the SEC’s commitment to protecting investors, promoting financial literacy and expanding access to reliable information about the capital market. Through continued engagement with government institutions, academia, market stakeholders and the public, the Commission aims to strengthen investor confidence and encourage responsible participation in Nigeria’s financial markets.

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