The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has urged capital market operators, regulators and policymakers to channel extra investments into Nigeria’s productive economy, as the ten largest corporations on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) account for roughly 72% of complete market capitalisation.
The name was made on the Institute’s thirtieth Annual Conference held in Lagos beneath the theme “From Capital Mobilised to Prosperity Realised: Financing Nigeria’s Next Era of Growth and Global Competitiveness.”
The discussions centered on guaranteeing that capital raised by means of the market helps infrastructure growth, industrial growth and employment era, moderately than measuring market efficiency solely by funds mobilised.
NGX market focus raises issues:
CIS President and 14th Chairman of Council, Dr Fiona Ahimie, mentioned the success of Nigeria’s capital market ought to be measured by its contribution to financial growth and improved residing requirements.
She described the market as a bridge between financial savings and companies requiring long-term financing, stressing that capital mobilisation should translate into productive funding.
Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun, mentioned the market raised N6.49 trillion in 2025, regardless of the highest 10 listed corporations accounting for roughly 72% of market worth.
He famous that market capitalisation represented solely about 37% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Balogun acknowledged enhancements in market infrastructure, together with the Investments and Securities Act 2025, shorter settlement cycles and prolonged buying and selling hours.
He recognized challenge bonds, infrastructure funds, Sukuk, inexperienced and orange bonds, and convertible securities as devices able to increasing financing alternatives.
Balogun cautioned that enhancements in market infrastructure wouldn’t routinely translate into higher market depth.
He referred to as for extra high quality listings, broader investor participation and stronger integration of the capital market into authorities privatisation programmes and infrastructure concessions.
Ahimie, who was recently elected the 14th President of the CIS and the primary lady to occupy that place, additionally challenged stakeholders to be certain that funds raised assist companies and tasks able to producing sustainable financial advantages.
Pension Funds goal infrastructure financing:
Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, recognized pension belongings as a possible supply of long-term financing for infrastructure, enterprise growth and employment era.
- However, she harassed that pension investments should stay guided by prudence, sustainable returns and the safety of contributors’ retirement financial savings.
- Oloworaran recognized restricted liquidity, weak value discovery, insufficient listings and market focus as constraints affecting pension fund funding.
- Debt Management Office Director-General Patience Oniha referred to as for deeper home bond market participation, diversified funding sources and stronger institutional collaboration.
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Chairman Otunba Francis Meshioye linked the financing problem to Nigeria’s estimated $2.3 trillion infrastructure deficit.
Meshioye advocated infrastructure bonds, inexperienced bonds, Sukuk, public-private partnerships, export finance and credit score ensures to assist productive enterprises.
Oloworaran urged stockbrokers to entice extra high quality corporations to the alternate and develop viable funding alternatives for institutional buyers.
Oniha emphasised the necessity to deploy debt capital productively to finance infrastructure, generate financial returns and strengthen fiscal stability.
Meshioye argued that Nigeria’s problem was not merely the provision of capital however the restricted channels by means of which funds reached producers and different productive companies.
He additionally referred to as for improved entry to long-term financing, different vitality investments and funding for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Dangote IPO highlights itemizing alternatives:
Conference contributors inspired family-owned companies and company founders to take into account itemizing on the NGX to broaden funding alternatives and cut back market focus.
They cited the N2.15 trillion Dangote Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO) for instance of the market’s capability to entice substantial home and worldwide funding.
- The just-concluded provide concerned 4.1 billion shares at N525 every and was reported to have attracted investor curiosity from all 54 African international locations.
- CIS launched a N5 billion endowment fund to assist analysis, scholarships, a professorial chair {and professional} growth.
- The Institute inducted 509 Associates, its largest consumption, and elevated 63 members to Fellowship.
- Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mentioned the state had raised greater than N200 billion by means of the capital market for infrastructure growth.
Sanwo-Olu endorsed the endowment initiative and pledged the Lagos State Government’s assist.
NGX Group Chairman Umaru Kwairanga urged stockbrokers to transfer past transaction execution and assist companies and authorities establishments entry financing.
- SEC Director-General Dr Emomotimi Agama additionally highlighted know-how’s function in strengthening market surveillance, regulatory oversight and investor safety.
The convention featured its maiden Presidential Awards, profession talks and visits to Vitafoam Nigeria Plc and Berger Paints Nigeria Plc. The discussions strengthened the Institute’s place that capital market success ought to be mirrored in companies financed, jobs created and financial worth generated.
