SEC Targets Long-Term Funding To Close Infrastructure Gaps

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026, placing the mobilisation of long-term capital at the centre of efforts to bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure and sectoral funding gaps, as well as deepen the role of the capital market in driving sustainable economic growth.

The Director-General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in a New Year message issued in Abuja on Thursday, where he said the Commission would aggressively facilitate the issuance of innovative financial instruments while streamlining regulatory frameworks to channel disciplined capital into productive sectors of the economy.

According to Agama, the Commission plans to facilitate the issuance of infrastructure bonds, green bonds, municipal bonds, and infrastructure-focused funds in 2026, to attract long-term domestic and international capital into critical areas such as roads, power, rail, housing and digital infrastructure.

He noted that the SEC would also work to make capital market access more efficient for state governments and infrastructure companies seeking sustainable financing options.

Beyond infrastructure, the SEC chief said agriculture would be a major focus of the Commission’s 2026 strategy.

He explained that the regulator would promote the listing of agribusiness firms and introduce tailored listing windows for agricultural cooperatives and value-chain companies.

Through the use of commodity exchanges, agricultural investment trusts and commodities-linked financial instruments, Agama said the Commission aims to de-risk the sector, ensure fair pricing for farmers, strengthen food security, and enable Nigerians to participate more directly in the agricultural value chain.
Agama also revealed plans to revitalise the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) market and introduce innovative affordable housing bonds to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

He said these initiatives are expected to unlock fresh capital for mass housing delivery, expand investment opportunities through new asset classes, and bring millions of Nigerians closer to homeownership.

In addition, the SEC is reviewing its rules to incentivise listings by small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), with particular focus on manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical and finished goods companies.

By facilitating access to patient capital through the capital market, Agama said the Commission aims to revive local manufacturing, reduce import dependence, create jobs and strengthen the global competitiveness of “Made in Nigeria” products.

The power sector is also expected to benefit from the Commission’s long-term funding drive. Agama said the SEC would support the sector through infrastructure bonds, green energy bonds, project-backed securities and public-private investment vehicles. These measures, he said, would help unlock financing for grid expansion, renewable energy projects, embedded power solutions and broader energy transition initiatives, while improving the bankability of projects across the power value chain.
Reflecting on the broader vision for the capital market, Agama said the SEC is positioning the market as a solution provider for Nigeria’s most pressing economic and developmental challenges.

As the new year begins, he said the Commission is not merely marking the passage of time but embracing an opportunity to redefine the purpose and impact of the Nigerian capital market.

“We look back at a year of transformation and look forward to a future where our capital market becomes the definitive solution provider for Nigeria’s economic and developmental needs,” he said.

He added that the Commission remains committed to deepening market confidence, expanding investment opportunities and ensuring that the capital market plays a central role in supporting inclusive growth and long-term economic stability in 2026 and beyond.