The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced plans to significantly step up enforcement of market rules in 2026, following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen investor confidence and market integrity.
The Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this while outlining the Commission’s regulatory priorities, noting that the new law has expanded the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement powers.
Agama said the Commission would apply these powers “firmly and impartially” to address market abuse, insider dealing, fraudulent investment schemes, and other forms of misconduct in the capital market.
He stressed that enforcement actions will be guided by due process and the rule of law, adding that predictable and consistent regulation remains critical to building trust among investors.
“With the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, the Commission’s supervisory and enforcement framework has been strengthened. In 2026, the Commission will continue to apply these powers firmly and impartially”, he said.
He explained that the SEC’s enforcement push forms part of broader measures to strengthen market integrity, efficiency, and resilience, adding that confidence in the capital market depends on effective supervision and the consistent application of rules.
