Nigeria’s path towards achieving a $1 trillion economy took center stage at the AMEDA 2025 conference, hosted for the first time in the country by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc. The event, held under the theme “Shaping the Future: Financial Market Infrastructures as Catalysts for Transforming Economies,” brought together key players from Africa and the Middle East’s financial sector, including market regulators, infrastructure operators, and policy leaders.
Speaking at the conference, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, the Vice Chairman of the African and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) and CEO of CSCS, underscored Nigeria’s bold economic ambitions. “Nigeria is on an ambitious journey to grow its economy to $1 trillion,” Jalo-Waziri stated. “To achieve this, our capital market must evolve to meet the needs of a more sophisticated, inclusive economy.”
He highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in this transformation, emphasizing CSCS’s commitment to providing future-ready systems that support economic growth. “By investing in infrastructure, we aim to enhance investor confidence and build resilience within the financial market,” Jalo-Waziri added.
The chairman of AMEDA, Abdulla Abdin, also spoke about the importance of modernizing financial market infrastructure to support global economic shifts. “The rapid transformation of economies demands a responsive and adaptive financial system,” Abdin said. “Market infrastructure is crucial to ensuring inclusive growth and enabling innovation.”
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima outlined Nigeria’s market reform agenda, noting the government’s focus on strengthening financial systems. He said, “Our administration is committed to improving market infrastructures through regulation, reform, and fostering public-private partnerships. This includes expanding access to capital for SMEs and startups, and funding infrastructure through green bonds and sukuk.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a favorable investment climate, with economic growth as a primary objective. Represented by Commissioner Opeyemi George, he highlighted the state’s strategic initiatives to attract investments and boost local economic activities.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), emphasized the significance of capital markets in shaping national and regional development. “Financial markets today are not just drivers of economic growth, but also critical to regional integration and global competitiveness,” Agama said.
Temi Popoola, Chairman of the CSCS Board, took pride in Nigeria’s growing role in regional financial markets. “Hosting AMEDA here is a testament to the growing influence of Nigeria’s capital markets,” Popoola remarked. “It is an opportunity to strengthen cross-border collaboration to enhance market infrastructure across the region.”
The conference concluded with a call to action from CSCS, urging financial market stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East to work together to build resilient infrastructures that foster inclusive growth and drive innovation. “Only through collaboration can we unlock new frontiers of economic opportunity and investment,” CSCS stated.
As Nigeria sets its sights on its $1 trillion economic goal, the conference reaffirmed the importance of a strong and adaptable financial system in supporting national development and regional integration.