LAGOS – Financial experts and regional leaders at the ongoing African and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) 2025 Conference in Lagos have called for urgent and coordinated efforts to strengthen financial market infrastructure across Nigeria and other member countries.
Participants emphasized that resilient, inclusive, and digitally accessible financial systems are crucial to driving sustainable investment, boosting cross-border market integration, and positioning Africa and the Middle East as key players in the global capital market.
Speaking on the theme “Shaping The Future: Financial Market and Infrastructure As Catalysts For Transforming Economies”, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, delivered the keynote address, highlighting how infrastructural upgrades in the Middle East are already unlocking new market opportunities.
He noted that despite Nigeria’s regulatory efforts and reform initiatives, the pace of progress remains slow due to limited market penetration and depth. Citing the low number of digital asset participants in Nigeria—around 15 million—he underscored the need for a strategic transformation of the financial market.
Aig-Imoukhuede urged deeper collaboration among AMEDA members to drive innovation and boost competitiveness on the global financial stage.
Vice Chairman of AMEDA, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, echoed the call for collective action, stressing the importance of building robust institutions, strong networks, sound regulations, and long-term partnerships. He said these steps are essential not only to address existing challenges but to embrace emerging opportunities.
Chairman of AMEDA, Abdulla Jaffa Abdin, also emphasized the need for member nations to harness their collective strength to fuel innovation, expand financial inclusion, and accelerate economic development across the region.
Dr. Imomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), added that financial market growth must be transformational, not just quantitative. He stressed the duty of all stakeholders to build market infrastructures that promote transparency, liquidity, and public trust.
Earlier in the conference, Vice President Kashim Shettima noted the need for fundamental restructuring of regional financial systems to support resilience and inclusivity amid rapid technological disruptions. He emphasized the critical role of platforms such as depositories and clearinghouses in maintaining a transparent and stable financial ecosystem.
The two-day event has brought together leading voices from finance, regulation, and investment sectors, aiming to shape a new roadmap for capital market development across Africa and the Middle East.
