The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Sen. Osita Izunaso, has stressed that sound legislation and strong regulatory oversight are critical to building resilient capital markets capable of driving Africa-wide economic integration.

Speaking at the 3rd Professor Uche Uwaleke (PUU) Biennial Colloquium on the Capital Market held Monday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Izunaso said investor confidence and sustainable growth hinge on credible governance frameworks and forward-looking reforms.

Addressing lawmakers, academics, regulators, industry leaders, and development partners, the senator described the colloquium as a “vital platform where policy meets scholarship and theory engages practice.” He lauded Professor Uche Uwaleke, Director of the Institute of Capital Market Studies at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, for sustaining an intellectual tradition that continues to shape Nigeria’s financial architecture.

“What began as a vision has matured into a credible forum where ideas are refined to strengthen our markets,” Izunaso said, adding that such progress requires discipline and commitment.

The lawmaker noted that sustainable development cannot happen in isolation. He stressed that policymakers benefit from research, while scholars must stay attuned to market realities and governance challenges. “This colloquium is a handshake between the town and the gown,” he said, highlighting the need for collaboration between academia, industry, and government to drive meaningful reforms.

On the theme of this year’s gathering, “Future-proofing Africa-wide Economic Integration: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Capital Markets,” Izunaso described it as timely, given the continent’s integration under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“Future-proofing Africa’s economy demands deliberate investment in infrastructure, promotion of innovation, and strong capital markets to mobilise long-term finance and support cross-border investments,” he said.

Izunaso reiterated that strong markets depend on strong governance. “Sound legislation, effective oversight, and credible regulatory institutions are the bedrock of investor confidence,” he said, assuring participants that the Senate Committee would continue supporting reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, resilience, and innovation in Nigeria’s capital market.

He praised the calibre of speakers, describing the event as a multidisciplinary convergence of industry leaders, academics, regulators, and legislators. He also acknowledged Professor Uwaleke’s advisory role to the Senate Committee, noting that his insights have enriched legislative deliberations and strengthened oversight functions.

Calling for practical outcomes, Izunaso urged participants to focus on actionable recommendations that could translate into legislative initiatives, regulatory improvements, and measurable institutional reforms. He expressed confidence that discussions would be forward-looking and solution-driven, informing policy at both national and continental levels.

“Resilient capital markets, anchored on credible laws and effective oversight, remain essential to sustaining growth, attracting investment, and ensuring financial stability across Africa,” he concluded, reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to reforms that position Nigeria’s capital market as a catalyst for broader economic transformation.