The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka–Anite, has described the newly enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 as a game-changing legislation that will transform Nigeria’s financial and capital markets landscape, positioning the country to compete globally for capital and investor confidence.
The minister made this description at the 2025 yearly business summit of the Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA) held in Lagos with the theme: “The Investment and Securities Act 2025: Innovations and Opportunities in the Nigerian Capital Market.”
In her keynote address, the minister said the new law signals a bold leap into a future of inclusive, tech-driven, and transparent market development.
“The unveiling of the ISA 2025 represents more than legislative housekeeping; it is a transformational moment in the trajectory of Nigeria’s financial and capital market reforms,” Uzoka–Anite stated.
She pointed out that the new law comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria’s capital market must aggressively compete for global capital inflows, protect investor trust, and align with evolving international standards.
According to her, the ISA 2025 opens the door for retail participation, foreign investment and green finance.
Uzoka–Anite envisioned a future where Nigerian startups list on local exchanges, pension funds back ESG-compliant infrastructure, and diaspora bonds offer strong returns backed by robust legal frameworks.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to enabling business and investment, the minister said the administration is streamlining bureaucracy, improving fiscal transparency, and reinforcing the independence of financial regulators.
She assured that the Ministry of Finance would continue to partner with stakeholders like CMSA to ensure that ISA 2025 translates into measurable results in listings, increased liquidity, more retail participation, and greater investor confidence.
The chairman of CMSA, Odiaka Iweze, said: “ISA 2025 is a platform to reimagine the capital market, to drive innovation, and to open up opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,”.
CMSA Vice Chair, Simisola Eyisanmi, said the ISA 2025 Act has blown the doors wide open for virtual securities, bilateral markets, commodity exchanges, and regulatory clarity.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange, Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, noted that warehouse receipts were mere documents before, adding that they are securitised instruments backed by law, recognised by the SEC, and supported by a full risk management framework today.
