ABUJA — The Federal Government has called on the judiciary to adopt a more proactive and technically sound approach in adjudicating capital market-related disputes to strengthen investor confidence and accelerate long-term economic growth.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the appeal at the opening of a two-day judges’ workshop in Abuja, organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The workshop, themed “Repositioning the Nigerian Capital Market for National Economic Transformation through Effective Dispute Resolution,” brought together top judicial officers and financial regulators.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, Shettima described the capital market as the “lifeblood of modern economies,” warning that judicial inefficiencies—such as delays and inconsistent rulings—pose significant risks to market stability.
“The capital market is not just a trading hub for securities; it mobilises long-term capital for national development. From infrastructure to small businesses, it fuels innovation and job creation,” Shettima said.
He stressed that investor trust hinges on the assurance that the rule of law prevails, disputes are resolved swiftly and fairly, and rights are protected. According to him, Nigeria’s capital market is crucial for diversifying the economy, attracting foreign investment, and unlocking wealth in underserved sectors.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Adah, echoed similar sentiments. She stated that the judiciary must not remain passive but must actively safeguard economic integrity and ensure justice in commercial dealings.
“The capital market is both a repository of trust and a space vulnerable to abuse. The judiciary must therefore evolve with the system, ensuring it remains fair, credible, and resilient,” she said.
SEC Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, explained that the workshop was aimed at equipping judges with up-to-date knowledge on the evolving financial landscape, especially in light of the newly enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.
“The ISA 2025 is a transformative law that enhances transparency, investor protection, and regulatory efficiency. It signals Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a secure and globally competitive investment environment,” Agama said.
In a related development, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, disclosed that the agency had charged 58 unlicensed firms running illegal pyramid schemes, with two convictions already secured.
Olukoyede highlighted the growing complexities in financial crimes, particularly those involving digital and virtual assets. He referenced ongoing cases against Binance and CBEX, stressing the judiciary’s critical role in interpreting emerging issues in financial technology.
“Nigeria must stay ahead of the curve. Our judges need to be well-versed in the evolving mechanisms of digital assets and the financial instruments of the future,” he added.
The workshop concluded with a shared call for collaboration between regulators and the judiciary to ensure the capital market remains a pillar of national development and investor confidence.
