NGX Group, SEC, Police form ironclad alliance for market integrity

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) on Wednesday, hosted a Closing Gong Ceremony in honour of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, signaling a strengthened partnership between capital market regulators and law enforcement agencies.

The event brought together key stakeholders across the capital market ecosystem, all reaffirming their commitment to accountability, transparency, and investor confidence.

The ceremony highlighted a shared commitment to investor protection, the prevention of financial crime, and the reinforcement of trust and confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

The ceremonial Closing Gong marked a collective resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s financial system through sustained collaboration.

Welcoming the IGP, Umaru Kwairanga, group chairman, NGX Group commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in supporting market integrity.

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He said: “Market integrity is a shared responsibility. By honouring the Inspector-General of Police, we are reinforcing the importance of institutional alignment in protecting investors and preserving trust in our financial system. Strong collaboration between regulators, enforcement agencies, and market infrastructure institutions is essential to building a resilient and credible market that supports economic growth.”

Emomotimi Agama, director general, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) emphasised the importance of coordinated enforcement, noting: “Investor protection is at the core of market regulation, and today’s engagement highlights how critical collaboration with law enforcement is to achieving that mandate. This partnership strengthens our enforcement capacity, enhances deterrence against illegal investment activities, and reinforces confidence in the Nigerian capital market.”

In his response, IGP Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, stating: “A transparent and well-regulated capital market is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth. The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with regulators and market operators to prevent financial crime, protect investors, and uphold the integrity of our financial system.”

Also speaking, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Ahonsi Unuigbe, highlighted the role of the Exchange in promoting market discipline: “A transparent and orderly market can only thrive where rules are respected and misconduct is addressed decisively. The presence of the Nigeria Police Force in this collective effort sends a strong signal that safeguarding the market is a national priority.”

Similarly, Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group stressed the importance of aligning innovation with oversight: “Technology and market growth must be supported by strong enforcement and investor protection frameworks. Our collaboration with the SEC and the Nigeria Police Force reflects a unified approach to preserving the credibility of Nigeria’s capital market.”

Iheanyi Nwachukwu

Iheanyi Nwachukwu, is a creative content writer with almost two decades journalism experience writing on banking, finance, capital markets, and tax. The multiple awards winning journalist is Assistant Editor, BusinessDay. Iheanyi holds BSc Degree in Economics from Imo State University; Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management from University of Lagos. Iheanyi has attended several work-related trainings including (i) Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (Pan African University, Lagos); (ii) News Agency Journalism (Indian Institute of Mass Communication {IIMC}, New Delhi, India); and (iii) Capital Markets Development and Regulations (International Law Institute {ILI} of Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA). Other trainings Iheanyi attended include: Economic/Political Risk Analysis (By Thomson Reuters Foundation); International Financial Journalism (IFJ) (By PMA Media Training, UK); Effective Business Writing Skills (By Phillips Consulting); Reporting on Corporate Governance (By International Finance Corporation (IFC) & Thomson Reuters Foundation UK); etc. In addition, he has participated in high-level economy & markets events in Dubai, South Africa, Morocco, and other African countries like Zambia, Ghana and Gambia.