L – R: President, Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke; Representstive of Fed Min of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Ali; SEC Board Chairman, Alhaji Mairiga Katuka Aliyu; Executive Commissioner Corporate Services SEC, Mrs. Samiya Usman, and Non-Executive Commissioner, SEC, Garba Kurfi at the Nationwide Market Outreach Programme on Unclaimed Funds held at Nassarawa State
By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage— The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking stronger collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government, to deepen investor education, improve financial literacy and facilitate the recovery of unclaimed dividends and other investment assets.
The SEC Chairman, Alhaji Mairiga AKatuka, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia, on the sidelines of the Commission’s Capital Market Awareness, Unclaimed Funds and Investor Education Outreach Programme.
Katuka commended the state government for providing strategically located office space for the Commission’s liaison office in Lafia, describing the gesture as an important step towards bringing its services closer to investors and residents.
The facility, located within the complex previously occupied by the State Ministry of Education, is expected to become operational soon.
He urged the state government to support the mobilisation of business owners, cooperative societies, youth groups, market associations and other stakeholders for the Commission’s investor education initiatives.
According to him, improving public understanding of the capital market will enable Nigerians to make informed financial decisions, protect their savings and participate more effectively in economic development.
Governor Sule commended the SEC for its regulatory role and efforts to strengthen investor protection, build market confidence and promote informed participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
He also acknowledged the importance of initiatives that expand public awareness of legitimate investment opportunities and encourage financial inclusion.
The outreach programme brought together representatives of relevant institutions, academia and other stakeholders to address challenges associated with unclaimed investments and promote greater public understanding of the capital market.
A major focus was the recovery of unclaimed dividends and other investment assets, which may remain inaccessible because of incomplete investor records, outdated shareholder information, changes in bank account details or difficulties transferring investments after an investor’s death.
The Commission emphasised that such funds belong to individuals and families and should be recovered by their rightful owners through established procedures.
To address the challenge, the SEC highlighted the enhanced e-Dividend Mandate Management System, which facilitates the direct payment of dividends into shareholders’ bank accounts and allows investors to update their records.
Investors were encouraged to regularise their investment information and work with registrars and other market operators to resolve outstanding claims.
The Commission said the outreach forms part of its nationwide efforts to promote financial literacy, protect investors, combat fraudulent investment schemes and expand access to legitimate investment opportunities.
Katuka also commended the Nasarawa State Government’s efforts to promote investment, enterprise, industrialisation and sustainable economic development, noting the state’s potential as a partner in broadening participation in the Nigerian capital market.
The SEC said continued collaboration with government institutions, academia, market stakeholders and the public would help strengthen investor confidence, improve access to financial services and encourage responsible participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
