The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched a nationwide investor enlightenment campaign aimed at helping Nigerians recover an estimated ₦270 billion in unclaimed dividends and other outstanding funds arising from capital market transactions. The initiative is part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen investor protection and improve financial inclusion.
The campaign was unveiled during a town hall meeting in Lagos, with the SEC stating that it will educate investors on the existence of unclaimed funds, the procedures for verifying and recovering legitimate claims, and the legal requirements for transmitting securities following the death of an investor.
Speaking at the event, SEC Director-General Emomotimi Agama, represented by the Director of Registration and Exchanges, Market Infrastructure Department, Hafsat Rufai, said the Commission considers the growing volume of unclaimed dividends unacceptable.
“The Commission considers this situation unacceptable. Funds belonging to investors should ultimately find their way back to their rightful owners.”
According to the SEC, the campaign is being implemented through the National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF) and will focus on raising awareness about unclaimed dividends, return monies from public offers, merger and acquisition settlements, corporate restructuring proceeds and other dormant capital market funds.
The Commission disclosed that the outreach programme will be extended to the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory, while digital platforms, traditional media and the SEC’s official communication channels will also be deployed to reach a wider audience. It added that the list of companies with outstanding corporate actions resulting in unclaimed funds will continue to be updated regularly.
The SEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that legitimate investors reclaim their funds, noting that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance confidence in Nigeria’s capital market and safeguard investors’ interests.
