LCCI, NASD Push MSMEs Towards Capital Market Funding
At a stakeholders’ forum held in Lagos and themed “Financing Growth: Propelling the Real Sector Through the Capital Market,” entrepreneurs, regulators, investors and market operators gathered to discuss practical strategies for helping businesses secure growth capital beyond traditional bank loans. The event highlighted the need for alternative funding channels capable of supporting expansion, innovation and job creation.
Speaking during the forum, the Managing Director of NASD Plc, Eguarekhide Longe, stressed that Nigerian businesses require broader financing options while investors are seeking credible opportunities to deploy capital. He noted that the capital market serves as a critical bridge between businesses in need of funding and investors searching for long-term value.
Stakeholders identified several factors that can improve an enterprise’s ability to attract investors, including a clearly defined business model, transparent financial reporting, audited accounts, strong corporate governance structures and a sustainable growth strategy. These elements, they said, are increasingly important for businesses seeking access to equity and debt financing through the capital market.
The Head of Research and Strategy at NASD Plc, Oludare Fajimolu, highlighted the opportunities available through the Over-the-Counter (OTC) market, noting that it offers flexible capital-raising options, enhanced visibility for businesses, direct access to investors and a robust regulatory framework that can help emerging companies scale sustainably.
Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chinyere Almona, described the real sector as the engine of economic growth and emphasized the importance of patient capital in helping businesses expand. She said the initiative aligns with LCCI’s commitment to supporting its members in accessing medium- and long-term financing opportunities.
Representing the Securities and Exchange Commission, Deputy Director Ojone Kabir urged MSMEs to leverage the wide range of financing instruments available in the capital market, including equities and fixed-income securities, to strengthen operations and drive innovation.
Participants also identified weak business structures and poor governance practices as major barriers preventing many SMEs from accessing investment capital. The forum concluded with a call for business owners to strengthen transparency, accountability and corporate governance standards to improve investor confidence and unlock sustainable funding opportunities.
The push comes as regulators and market operators intensify efforts to integrate millions of Nigerian MSMEs into the capital market ecosystem, creating new pathways for long-term financing and economic growth.
