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CIS, ASHON Laud Capital Market Gains, Back N750tn Market-cap Target
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Published 10/22/2026 8:27:00 PM
CIS, ASHON Laud Capital Market Gains, Back N750tn Market-cap Target – THISDAYLIVE
Kayode Tokede
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) have hailed the Nigerian capital market’s major milestones in 2026, citing regulatory reforms, international recognition, improved market infrastructure and landmark capital-raising initiatives as evidence of growing market strength.
In a joint congratulatory message signed by Dr. Fiona Ahimie, 14th President and Chairman of Council of CIS, and Sehinde Adenagbe, Chairman of ASHON, the two professional bodies highlighted several significant achievements during the year.
They said the developments reflected the collective commitment, resilience, innovation and strategic leadership of regulators, market operators, professional bodies and other stakeholders working to position Nigeria’s capital market for greater domestic and international competitiveness.
They commended the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its regulatory leadership and the introduction of initiatives aimed at mobilising domestic savings, expanding investor participation and advancing the ambitious N750 trillion market-capitalisation target.
They also praised the Federal Ministry of Finance for its strategic leadership and collaboration with the SEC and other stakeholders in developing and launching the National Savings Scheme.
According to the bodies, the scheme could strengthen financial inclusion, encourage retail investment and expand the pool of domestic capital available to finance productive economic activities.
They, however, stressed that sustained institutional collaboration, effective implementation and widespread public awareness would be essential to realising its full potential.
Another major achievement highlighted was Nigeria’s adoption of the T+1 settlement cycle on June 1, 2026, which reduced the settlement period for securities transactions.
The bodies said the transition had enhanced settlement efficiency, reduced counterparty exposure,improved capital utilisation and aligned Nigeria’s market infrastructure more closely with international best practices.
They also described the ongoing initial public offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as a defining moment for the Nigerian capital market, demonstrating its capacity to mobilise substantial funds for major enterprises while expanding public participation in wealth creation.
The extension of the offer to October 27, 2026, they noted, provided prospective investors with additional time to participate in the landmark transaction.
CIS and ASHON emphasised the critical role of stockbrokers and digital distribution channels in widening access to the offering and facilitating retail investor participation.
The two bodies further welcomed Nigeria’s return to FTSE Russell Frontier Market status, noting that improvements in market accessibility, foreign exchange liquidity, capital repatriation and regulatory transparency could strengthen the country’s appeal to international investors.
They added that banking sector recapitalisation, expanding digital investment platforms,
improvements in market infrastructure and growing attention to sustainable finance had reinforced the capital market’s capacity to support enterprise development, employment generation and economic growth.
The organisations gave special recognition to stockbrokers and securities dealing firms for their contributions to market development through professional intermediation, investor advisory services, distribution networks and daily engagement with investors.
While CIS underscored the importance of professional competence, ethical conduct and continuous capacity development, ASHON highlighted the resilience, operational commitment and market-building contributions of securities dealing firms.
The bodies, however, cautioned that sustaining the gains would require stronger retail participation,improved investor protection, technological innovation, high professional and ethical standards, and a more conducive business environment.
They urged continued cooperation among regulators, market operators, government institutions, issuers and the investing public to consolidate the reforms and translate market growth into broader economic prosperity.
They congratulated the entire Nigerian capital market community, expressing optimism that the achievements recorded in 2026 would provide a stronger foundation for increased capital formation, improved investor confidence and a more prosperous economy.
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Jobberman Nigeria, Nigeria’s leading career development and recruitment solutions company, has launched ‘Her Next Move’, a campaign designed to empower young Nigerian women with practical skills and confidence to pursue career opportunities and participate more fully in the workforce.
Through free online training, the initiative supports women aged 18 to 35 as they prepare to enter the workplace, advance into better roles or explore freelance and gig work.
Built around the message ‘Your Future. Your Skills. Your Move’, the campaign places female inclusion at the centre of career development, encouraging women to take an active role in shaping their professional futures. It connects the ambition to progress with an accessible starting point: learning skills that can help women prepare for their next opportunity.
‘Her Next Move’ recognises that career progress looks different for every woman. For a graduate, it may mean preparing for a first job. For a woman already working, it may involve developing the skills to take on greater responsibility or pursue a new role. For another, it may mean understanding how to navigate freelance work and participate in the global gig economy. The campaign brings these aspirations together through a shared emphasis on learning, preparation and action.
This Initiative by Jobberman in partnership with Mastercard Foundation promotes two courses: Jobberman Soft Skills Training and Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker. Both courses are free, with a free certificate upon successful completion.
Jobberman Soft Skills Training focuses on workplace readiness, helping participants build the professional skills needed to navigate work and prepare for career progression. Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker introduces participants to the demands and opportunities of freelance and gig work, supporting women interested in exploring career paths beyond traditional employment.
By making the training and certification available at no cost, ‘Her Next Move’ reduces the financial barrier to participation and encourages more young women to invest in their professional development. Its focus extends from raising awareness of learning opportunities to helping participants follow through and complete their chosen course.
To bring the campaign to life, Jobberman is working with young creators who are sharing personal stories about ambition, career transitions and the role of learning in their journeys. Through videos, social media posts and follow-up conversations, the creators encourage young women to reflect on their own goals and identify the practical steps they can take towards them.
These stories are intended to make career development relatable, connecting everyday aspirations with opportunities to learn. Across the campaign, the question “What is your next move?” invites women to define progress for themselves and begin preparing for it.
‘Her Next Move’ reinforces Jobberman’s and Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to supporting career development and expanding access to learning for young Nigerian women. By combining free skills training with relatable storytelling and encouragement to take action, the campaign seeks to help more women feel prepared to pursue their ambitions.
