Temi Popoola says inclusive wealth creation in capital market growth requires strong governance, sustainability and wider investor participation

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Temi Popoola, has called for a shift in focus within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, urging stakeholders to prioritise inclusive wealth creation in capital market development rather than concentrating solely on generating wealth.

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Speaking at the 2026 Nairametrics Capital Market Awards in Lagos on Friday night, Popoola said the long-term strength of Nigeria’s economy would depend not only on its ability to create wealth but also on how that wealth is generated, shared and sustained.

Addressing regulators, investors, market operators and business leaders, Popoola described the capital market as a critical vehicle for directing funds into productive sectors, supporting innovation, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth.

“When we talk about wealth creation, the question is no longer whether wealth can be created. The more important question is how it is created, who participates in it, and what impact it leaves behind,” he said.

Popoola noted that global investors increasingly favour markets that demonstrate transparency, resilience and strong governance standards.

“In this environment, potential is not enough. What attracts capital is confidence in institutions, governance and market integrity,” he said.

The NGX chief stressed that responsible wealth creation requires businesses, investors and regulators to move beyond short-term gains and focus on sustainable value creation supported by accountability, transparency and long-term planning.

A key pillar of inclusive wealth creation in capital market development, according to Popoola, is ensuring broader access to investment opportunities.

“A strong capital market is one that broadens access and participation across geography, gender, age and background. Wealth creation only becomes meaningful when it is widely accessible,” he said.

Popoola identified growing retail investor participation as one of the market’s most encouraging developments, attributing the trend to improved financial literacy and digital innovation.

He highlighted the success of NGX Invest, the Exchange’s digital platform for primary market offerings, which played a significant role during the banking sector recapitalisation exercise.

According to him, the platform facilitated capital raises exceeding N2.8 trillion and helped onboard more than two million retail investors in 2025.

“Beyond the numbers, this demonstrated how technology can democratise access to investment opportunities and connect more Nigerians directly to wealth creation,” Popoola said.

He added that sustainability has become a powerful factor in global investment decisions, with investors paying increasing attention to governance practices, environmental responsibility and social impact alongside financial returns.

While expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future prospects, Popoola said the country’s youthful population, entrepreneurial culture and expanding innovation ecosystem must be supported by stronger institutions, policy consistency and enhanced investor confidence.

“Capital markets have a critical role to play by mobilising long-term capital, supporting business expansion and connecting innovation with investment,” he said.

He also called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve market infrastructure and accelerate economic transformation.

Earlier, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nairametrics, Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, said the awards were established to celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience across Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.

Obi-Chukwu noted that despite global economic uncertainty, tighter financial conditions, exchange-rate volatility and domestic economic pressures, the Nigerian capital market had remained resilient over the past year.

According to him, increased retail participation, improved corporate earnings, stronger investor confidence, innovative financial products and greater emphasis on governance have contributed to the market’s performance.

“These achievements did not happen by chance. They are the result of the deliberate efforts of regulators committed to market integrity, operators focused on innovation, issuers building sustainable businesses, investors making long-term commitments and professionals working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the ecosystem moving forward,” he said.

Obi-Chukwu said the theme of this year’s awards, “Capital Markets as a Pathway to Responsible Wealth Creation,” reflects the growing recognition that wealth creation must be ethical, sustainable and capable of delivering long-term value.

“Wealth creation must go beyond short-term gains. It must be sustainable, inclusive, ethical and capable of creating lasting value for individuals, businesses and society at large,” he said.

He also underscored the role of financial journalism in improving investor education and supporting market development.

“Accurate financial journalism, data-driven analysis and investor education remain essential pillars for market development,” Obi-Chukwu said.

Both speakers agreed that recognition platforms such as the Nairametrics Capital Market Awards help strengthen standards across the market by rewarding excellence and promoting best practices.

Among the major winners announced at the ceremony, MTN Nigeria Plc emerged as Company of the Year and Utilities and Infrastructure Company of the Year. Zenith Bank Plc won Tier-One Bank of the Year, while Wema Bank Plc received the Commercial Bank of the Year award.

Other winners included Seplat Energy Plc, which secured Energy Company of the Year and Dividend Paying Company of the Year, AIICO Insurance Plc as Insurance Company of the Year, Guinness Nigeria Plc as Consumer Goods Company of the Year, Lafarge Africa Plc as Industrial Goods Company of the Year, and Transcorp Group as Diversified Company of the Year.

Nigerian Exchange Limited was named Exchange of the Year, while the Securities and Exchange Commission received the Market Reforms Initiative of the Year award.

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The Nairametrics Capital Market Award was presented to National Pension Commission in recognition of its contribution to the development of Nigeria’s capital market.