By Henry Ojelu

The Capital Market Solicitors Association, CMSA, has said its 2026 Annual Business Summit will focus on strengthening the structural foundations of Nigeria’s capital market to sustain growth, deepen investor confidence and enhance market stability.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, CMSA Chairman, Mrs. Simisola Eyisanmi, said the summit, scheduled for July 1, is themed: “Structural Resilience and Market Permanence.”

According to her, the event will examine how Nigeria can sustain the current momentum in the capital market through institutional reforms, regulatory efficiency, technological innovation and stronger investor protection frameworks.

She said the summit would move discussions beyond short-term market gains and focus on long-term measures required to build a resilient and sustainable capital market.

“This year’s summit seeks to explore the structural foundations necessary to sustain market growth beyond temporary bullish cycles. Achieving market permanence requires a shift from short-term speculative gains to enduring structural reforms,” Eyisanmi said.

She noted that discussions would cover institutional governance, capital adequacy, trading procedures, regulatory reforms, technological integration, sustainable finance and strategies for strengthening investor confidence.

Eyisanmi also clarified the distinction between the stock exchange and the capital market, stressing that while stock exchanges provide platforms for buying and selling securities, the capital market encompasses a broader network of institutions, professionals and financial instruments involved in raising and managing capital.

“The capital market goes beyond equities. It includes the debt and commodities markets, investment banks, financial advisers, custodians and other stakeholders involved in securities transactions,” she explained.

She added that both the stock exchange and the wider capital market operate under the regulatory oversight of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC.

“The capital market is a regulated environment; it is not a free-for-all,” she said.

On the growing popularity of digital banking platforms, fintech firms and online investment applications, Eyisanmi urged Nigerians to verify that institutions handling their funds are duly licensed by the appropriate regulators.

She also highlighted the dispute-resolution mechanisms available to investors, noting that complaints against market operators can be lodged with the SEC, which has powers to investigate and impose sanctions where necessary.

According to her, dissatisfied investors may further seek redress before the Investments and Securities Tribunal, IST, a specialised body established to adjudicate capital market disputes.

“The IST serves as a specialised court for capital market transactions, although many investors are still unaware of its role,” she said, adding that the tribunal has been invited to participate in this year’s summit to improve public awareness.

Eyisanmi further identified opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises, SMEs, to access funding through platforms such as the Nigerian Exchange Growth Board and the NASD Over-the-Counter Securities Exchange.

“There are growth boards and alternative funding opportunities within the market. Investment banks and institutional investors are also looking for viable businesses to support,” she said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee and former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, SAN, said the summit would generate policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the capital market.

He said the event would reinforce the role of capital market solicitors in safeguarding market integrity, promoting innovation and protecting investors.

“The summit will foster stronger collaboration among regulators, operators, legal practitioners and investors towards building a more resilient and globally competitive capital market,” he said.

CMSA Vice Chairman, Mabel Okereke, said recent reforms introduced under the Investments and Securities Act, ISA 2025, had significantly expanded the enforcement powers of the SEC and strengthened investor protection.

She expressed confidence that many disputes could now be resolved through mediation and regulatory intervention without lengthy litigation, noting that the commission’s enhanced powers had improved compliance among market operators.