TRANSFORMING AFRICA'S
FINANCIAL & PAYMENTS
REVOLUTION

Dr. Emomotimi John Agama is the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s apex regulatory institution for the capital market. A distinguished economist, financial analyst, and chartered management accountant, Dr Agama brings over three decades of professional experience spanning capital market regulation, financial strategy, economic policy, and institutional leadership. His appointment as Director-General in April 2024 marked the continuation of a remarkable career dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem and aligning it with global best practices.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Agama served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Capital Market Institute (NCMI), where he led transformative capacity-building and regulatory education programs that enhanced the competence of market participants across Nigeria and Africa. Before that, he held several pivotal roles within the SEC, including Head of Market Infrastructure and Innovation, where he oversaw regulatory frameworks for exchanges, depositories, and clearing houses. His visionary leadership has contributed significantly to market reforms, policy innovation, and the modernisation of Nigeria’s capital market architecture.

Dr. Agama’s academic and professional credentials reflect a strong foundation in economics, finance, and management. He holds a PhD in Economics from Nile University of Nigeria, a Graduate Certificate in Capital Markets from George Washington University in the United States, and dual Master’s degrees in Economics and in Banking and Finance from the University of Benin. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Professionally, he is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA, UK), and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (FCIS). He is also a Fellow of the IFC–Milken Institute Capital Markets Program, which highlights his global recognition and engagement in international capital market development.

Since joining the SEC in 2004, Dr. Agama has built an illustrious career, progressing through roles of increasing responsibility, from regulatory oversight to executive leadership. He has served as Divisional Head of Market Infrastructure, Head of Registration and Exchanges, and led several high- impact committees, including the SEC Disciplinary Committee, the Market Outlook Committee, and the Securities Settlement Working Group with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His tenure at the Commission has been characterised by a focus on innovation, integrity, transparency, and collaboration, principles that continue to guide his leadership.

Under his stewardship, the SEC is pursuing an ambitious transformation agenda anchored on digitalisation, youth inclusion, market integrity, and investor protection. Dr. Agama has championed the modernisation of the Commission’s regulatory framework to accommodate emerging technologies, including digital assets and virtual exchanges, while ensuring investor confidence and systemic stability. His strategic focus on “smart regulation” aims to balance innovation with effective oversight, positioning Nigeria’s capital market as a hub for fintech growth and sustainable investments.

Dr. Agama’s contributions extend beyond the national level to regional and international platforms. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), where he represents Nigeria’s interests in shaping the regulatory agenda across the region. He is also an active member of the Global Green Finance Leadership Program and has presented at leading global forums on sustainable finance, capital markets, and inclusive regulation. His thought leadership in digital regulation, financial inclusion, and green investment continues to influence both policy and practice within and beyond Africa.

Throughout his career, Dr. Agama has demonstrated a deep commitment to ethical leadership, youth empowerment, and institutional excellence. He is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and the inclusion of young Nigerians in the investment ecosystem. His belief that a well-regulated, transparent, and inclusive capital market is central to national development underpins his vision for the SEC, a vision grounded in integrity, innovation, and global collaboration.

Under Dr. Agama’s leadership, the SEC remains committed to fostering a resilient capital market that not only mobilises domestic and foreign investments but also contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth. His legacy is one of reform, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a capital market that works for all.