SEC pushes wider market participation with new Capital Market Master Plan 2.0

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to expand retail investor involvement and enhance market accessibility for all income levels through the proposed launch of the Capital Market Master Plan 2.0 at the 2026 National Capital Market Conference in Abuja. The conference will also introduce the National Savings Scheme, a retail-oriented platform aimed at increasing participation in the capital market.

Notable attendees include Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, and Finance Minister, Taiwo Oyedele, who will act as Chief Host.

The Master Plan 2.0 builds upon the original 10-year plan introduced in 2014, which was later revised in 2022 to incorporate advancements in financial technology and market dynamism. This updated version now places a strong emphasis on retail democratisation, a strategic shift focusing on broadening capital market access beyond institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.

SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama explained that the Master Plan 2.0 serves as the foundation for the National Savings Scheme, a retail-focused investment tool designed to provide Nigerians from various income groups with opportunities to save and invest for the future. This scheme will feature tax incentives to encourage participation, in line with the Federal Government's fiscal policy of providing tax relief for citizens earning below specified thresholds. The National Savings Scheme aligns with the SEC's ongoing commitment to financial inclusion.

Additionally, the SEC launched the spoken-word version of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 (ISA 2025) in December 2025, aiming to improve public understanding of the law and make it more accessible to Nigerians. The October conference will also address accountability mechanisms for the implementation of the Master Plan 2.0, a lesson learned from previous plan cycles where delays often resulted in frustrated stakeholder expectations.

The roadmap of the Master Plan 2.0 prioritizes accessibility and financial inclusion over market size and international competitiveness. The integration of the National Savings Scheme within the Master Plan framework indicates the SEC's belief that retail participation is crucial for sustainable capital market growth, with a focus on technology, financial literacy, and tax-incentivized saving options for retail investors.