SEC Cuts Capital Market Approval Time To 14 Days, Boosting Investment

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has streamlined the approval process for companies seeking to raise capital in the Nigerian financial market. The approval timeline has been significantly reduced to just 14 days, a major improvement aimed at enhancing efficiency and economic growth.

SEC Enhances Capital Market Efficiency

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Director General of the SEC, highlighted this development in a recent statement, emphasizing that the decision will accelerate market operations. Previously, it took over a year for companies to obtain regulatory approval to raise funds. However, under the current SEC leadership, this duration has been drastically minimized.

“Since assuming office, we have addressed one of the biggest challenges in the market—time to approval. Companies often faced long waiting periods before securing the necessary approvals to raise capital. The capital market is crucial to economic and corporate growth, and time is a fundamental factor. We are proud to have shortened the approval window from over a year to just 14 days,” Agama stated.

Banking Recapitalization and E-Offering Success

During the recent banking recapitalization process, Nigerian banks successfully raised over N2.2 trillion through the capital market, leveraging an advanced e-offering platform. This digital innovation eliminated paperwork, streamlining the application process for investors.

Agama noted that issuers experienced no significant delays, as the SEC had implemented robust mechanisms to expedite application processing and approval issuance.

“All transactions have been fully subscribed, and we continue to encourage the adoption of technology. The e-offering platform ensures a seamless, paperless experience, and we are committed to further improving market efficiency,” he added.