The Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has projected that the global digital asset market could reach $10 trillion by 2030, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation, investment, and financial inclusion.
Speaking at a fintech and capital markets forum in Lagos and in his acceptance speech as Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), Agama highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain technology, tokenised assets, and decentralised finance (DeFi) in reshaping markets.
“We are at the threshold of a new era in finance. Digital assets are not just the future; they are the present. Countries that fail to adapt will be left behind,” he stated, stressing that Africa and the Middle East must lead the digital asset revolution by leveraging their youthful, tech-savvy populations.
Strategic Priorities
Agama outlined key initiatives, including harmonising listing standards across Sub-Saharan African exchanges, pioneering regional market-making schemes, advocating pension fund reforms, and launching a Listings Growth Initiative for SMEs. He emphasised the SEC’s commitment to clear regulatory frameworks, investor education, and fostering innovation through fintech sandboxes.
Why This Matters
If Nigeria captures even 1% of the projected $10 trillion market, it could unlock $100 billion in value creation, drive job growth, and expand access to global capital. Agama called for collaboration between regulators, innovators, and the private sector to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the evolving global digital economy.
His election to IOSCO’s Board, serving until 2026, marks a milestone for Nigeria’s capital market leadership and reinforces a commitment to regional integration, youth empowerment, and digital transformation.
