CMSA seeks stronger regulatory framework to sustain capital market growth

The Capital Market Solicitors’ Association (CMSA), Nigeria’s leading association of solicitors and commercial law firms engaged in capital market practice, has called for stronger regulatory frameworks and institutional resilience to sustain the recent growth recorded in Nigeria’s capital market, warning that long-term market stability cannot rely solely on bullish investor sentiment.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the CMSA Annual Business Summit 2026, the Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, H.E. Mohammed A. Abubakar, SAN, said Nigeria must focus on building enduring market structures capable of withstanding economic shocks, policy changes and global uncertainties.

According to him, this year’s summit, themed “Structural Resilience and Market Permanence: Anchoring Nigeria’s Capital Surge Beyond the Bull Run,” reflects the need to shift attention from short-term market gains to the long-term sustainability of the country’s capital market architecture.

Abubakar noted that while Nigeria has witnessed renewed investor confidence, rising market indices and increased participation by both domestic and foreign investors, these gains must be supported by resilient institutions and transparent regulatory systems.

“We must focus on building structural resilience by creating robust systems, clear regulatory frameworks and enduring institutions that can withstand economic volatility, policy shifts and global uncertainties,” he said, adding that the objective is to create a capital market that serves as a reliable engine for long-term economic development, job creation and wealth creation.

The summit, scheduled for July 1, 2026 in Lagos, will bring together legal practitioners, regulators, market operators, policymakers and investors to deliberate on strategies for strengthening market infrastructure, enhancing investor confidence and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading capital market destination.

A major highlight of the event will be a fireside chat on “Regulations to Operations: Digital & Virtual Assets in Practice,” featuring representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and market operators. The session is expected to examine the practical implementation of regulatory frameworks governing digital assets in Nigeria.

The programme will also feature a keynote address by a senior government official in the finance sector, a high-level panel discussion on the summit theme, interactive question-and-answer sessions and networking opportunities among key stakeholders.

Abubakar said the organisers expect the summit to generate actionable policy recommendations that will strengthen the stability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s capital market while reinforcing the role of capital market solicitors in promoting market integrity, innovation and investor protection.

He added that the event is designed to foster closer collaboration among regulators, legal practitioners, market operators and investors in pursuit of a more resilient and globally competitive financial market.

He noted that the summit would provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on reforms needed to deepen the market and support Nigeria’s broader economic development agenda, calling on stakeholders across the financial ecosystem to participate