LCCI and NASD Forum Boosts SMEs' Capital Market Access

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and NASD PLC organized a stakeholder forum in Lagos aimed at improving small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) access to capital market funding. The forum, themed "Financing Growth to Propel the Real Sector," brought together entrepreneurs and regulatory stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing SME access to capital market funds.

Key discussions included identifying requirements to attract investment, such as having a clear business model, defined growth strategies, sound corporate governance, and transparent financial statements. Eguarekhid, Managing Director of NASD PLC, emphasized the need for Nigerian businesses to have greater access to growth capital, while Oludar Fajimolu, Head of Research Strategy at NASD PLC, highlighted the benefits of utilizing counter exchanges for capital raising.

Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General of LCCI, stressed the importance of patient capital for the real sector's economic growth. Ojon Kabir from the Securities and Exchange Commission noted the diverse investment opportunities available in the capital market.