The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening capital market collaboration with China, aiming to position Nigeria as a strategic hub for cross-border investment flows between the two economies.
This renewed push was showcased at the China-Africa CEO Dialogue, organized by Choice International Group in partnership with NGX Group, held alongside the 4th China–Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China.
During the dialogue, Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director and CEO of NGX Group, emphasized the Exchange’s dedication to fostering partnerships that unlock new capital-raising avenues for Chinese companies while attracting foreign investments into Nigeria’s real economy.
“Deepening capital market partnerships is critical to opening new investment corridors between Nigeria and China,” Popoola stated. He further explained that NGX is actively engaging with key Chinese institutions such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to develop frameworks enabling Chinese corporations to raise capital locally through bonds, commercial papers, or equity. These efforts aim to minimize currency and operational risks involved in cross-border transactions.
Popoola highlighted the vital role of the capital market in strengthening bilateral trade, manufacturing, ICT, and the burgeoning Nigerian automotive sector. “Financial flows are often the missing link in many China-Africa engagements. By establishing these investment corridors, we are positioning Nigeria as a premier hub for cross-border capital and supporting the country’s broader economic diversification goals,” he added.
From a regulatory perspective, Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to offer a transparent and secure investment climate that fosters investor confidence.
“Our role goes beyond providing regulatory frameworks; it is to ensure that investors find justice and protection when they operate in Nigeria,” Agama said. “Transparency and credibility are fundamental to building trust. While risk is inherent in business, regulators are committed to mitigating these risks and maintaining a level playing field.”
Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group, praised the China engagements as part of a broader strategic initiative to establish Nigeria as Africa’s gateway for investment.
“At NGX Group, we believe the capital market is instrumental in unlocking Africa’s immense potential. Our dialogue with China demonstrates our commitment to bridging Nigeria with major global markets to foster sustainable prosperity for all stakeholders,” he remarked.
The dialogue underscored the expanding role of capital markets in promoting trade, technology transfer, and industrialization between China and Nigeria. Both NGX Group and SEC pledged to continue leveraging capital market diplomacy as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and cross-border cooperation.
Additionally, the Securities and Exchange Commission has called on government agencies and state-owned enterprises to consider listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, reinforcing the capital market’s role in Nigeria’s economic transformation.
