Jude Chiemeka, the Divisional Head of Capital Markets at Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), shed light on the vital role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance and the democratization of data in attracting investments and fostering stock liquidity within the Nigerian capital market.
During a panel session titled “ESG and Sustainable Finance; The Future of Investments,” held in Lagos on Thursday and jointly organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Centre for Sustainability, Chiemeka underscored NGX’s commitment to the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative.
He also emphasized the exchange’s focus on leveraging technology to provide investors with seamless access to crucial data, particularly emphasizing its importance for retail investors.
Addressing investors, Chiemeka advised them to consider ESG-compliant companies with transparent and high-quality disclosures.
“Companies on the Exchange that demonstrate strong ESG compliance often gain access to more capital, attract a broader investor base, and can even raise capital from foreign markets. The NGX Premium Board features companies that adhere to international best practices on corporate governance and meet NGX’s highest standards of capitalization and liquidity. Compliance is not only a matter of prestige but also an indicator of sustainable growth, making these companies more appealing to both international and domestic investors,” he said.
Commending the SEC for its dedication to establishing a sustainable finance framework, he said: “Nigeria’s issuance of a green bond solidified its position as the first sovereign country in Africa to do so, and we applaud the SEC’s role in making this possible.”
