Forget everything you thought you knew about Nigeria’s capital market.
With the signing of the Investment and Securities Act, 2025, the rules of the game just changed permanently. From digital assets to influencer crackdowns, ISA 2025 doesn’t whisper reform it roars regulation.
This isn’t an update. It’s a full-blown financial reset.
What ISA 2025 Really Does
1. Crypto = Securities
Yes, finally.
Digital assets from Bitcoin to your favorite meme coin are now legally classified as securities in Nigeria.
That means:
- SEC oversight is real.
- Exchanges must play by the rules.
- No more “unregistered” pump-and-dump playgrounds.
If you’re running a crypto service in Nigeria you’re now in the SEC’s crosshairs.
2. The SEC Gets Teeth
The new law supercharges Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission:
- Can appoint/remove directors of public companies
- Can freeze assets, even digital wallets
- Can access your electronic communications during probes
- And yes they can now issue arrest warrants
This isn’t a gentle nudge. It’s a compliance ultimatum.
3. Unlicensed Influencers? Expect Fines and Jail Time
If you’re promoting securities even with a TikTok, Telegram group, or crypto course you must register with the SEC.
Failure?
- Up to ₦20 million fine
- Up to 5 years in prison
Welcome to the end of unregulated “finfluencers” in Nigeria.
4. Stronger Investor Protection
ISA 2025 introduces:
- Mandatory disclosure standards
- Legal Entity Identifiers (LEIs) for capital market participants
- A framework to blacklist rogue operators publicly
Transparency is no longer optional, it’s the law.
5. Tribunal Reforms + Dividend Trust Fund
- IST Membership expands from 10 to 12 for faster rulings
- Unclaimed dividends now go into a SEC-managed trust fund
- Any misuse = serious sanctions
The Market Just Grew Up
ISA 2025 is Nigeria’s strongest attempt yet to modernise, digitalise, and regulate its capital market.
- Crypto isn’t underground anymore.
- The regulator has muscle.
- Investors just got a seat at the table.
This Act puts Nigeria on the radar of global investors looking for structured emerging markets. And if you’re building or investing in Nigeria’s digital finance space, you’d better read the fine print.
The capital market just went from Wild West to Wall Street-lite.
