NGX Chairman Urges Integrity, Cautions Against Risks as Investment Boom Fuels Digital Assets Debate in Lagos

NGX Chairman Urges Integrity, Cautions Against Risks as Investment Boom Fuels Digital Assets Debate in Lagos

 By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga, has called on investment advisers and portfolio managers to uphold professionalism and guard against emerging risks amid Nigeria’s sustained capital market growth.

Speaking at the 2026 Conference of the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers held at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Kwairanga described the current phase of the Nigerian capital market as “exciting,” noting that renewed investor confidence has driven a bullish trend now entering its third year.

The conference, themed *“Fostering Enduring Operating Environment for Digital Assets Trading and Investments: Regulators/Operators’ Perspective,”* brought together key stakeholders across the financial ecosystem to examine the future of digital asset investments in Nigeria.

Kwairanga said recent policy reforms and strategic coordination among government, regulators, and market operators have contributed to improved investor sentiment.

“These are exciting times for the Nigerian capital market ecosystem, as recent policy decisions have reignited confidence and sustained a bullish trend,” he said.

However, he cautioned that periods of rapid growth often come with hidden dangers, warning investors and professionals against complacency.

“It is easy for investors to get carried away when asset prices keep rising and assume there are no risks. This is also a time when dubious investments and unqualified advisers tend to emerge,” he added.

The NGX Chairman stressed the need for members of the association to distinguish themselves through integrity, competence, and adherence to professional ethics. According to him, investment advisers must prioritize clients’ interests, maintain objectivity, and avoid conflicts of interest.

“You must demonstrate loyalty, prudence, and care in your dealings. When you uphold these values consistently, your credibility will grow, and so will your business,” he said.

Kwairanga also challenged the association to increase its visibility and influence within Nigeria’s financial sector, urging it to deepen engagement in policy discussions and organize more capacity-building initiatives.

> “You should not rest on past achievements. Your voice must be heard wherever investment and portfolio management issues are being discussed,” he noted.

On the growing relevance of digital assets, he commended the conference organizers for choosing a timely theme, describing the sector as both promising and widely misunderstood, particularly among young investors.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that deliberations at the conference translate into actionable recommendations.

> “Your discussions should be comprehensive and reflected in a communique to be shared with regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Exchange Group for implementation,” he said.

Kwairanga further praised the association’s collaborative approach with other industry players, noting that such partnerships are essential for sustainable growth and reduced friction within the investment ecosystem.

He expressed confidence in the leadership of the association under its president and chairman of council, Alhaji Yusuf Modibbo, describing him as an experienced professional with deep industry knowledge.

The NGX Chairman concluded by wishing participants a productive conference, expressing optimism that outcomes from the gathering would strengthen Nigeria’s investment landscape, particularly in the evolving digital assets space.