13th President and Council Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Oluropo Dada. Photo: BusinessDay The outgoing 13th President and Council Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Oluropo Dada, an experienced investment expert, discusses key trends in Nigeria’s capital market and economy in this interview with JIDE AJIA What is your assessment of the Nigerian capital market’s outlook for Q2 2026?
The outlook for Q2 2026 is cautiously optimistic. We expect a gradual improvement in market activity, driven by macroeconomic stabilisation, policy reforms, and renewed investor interest. However, inflationary pressures and exchange rate volatility remain key risks that could moderate growth.
You will recall that the equities market recorded a 51 per cent gain in 2025, and as of 21 April 2026, the market had gained about 40 per cent. This is significant. From my perspective, the outlook for the second quarter reflects a market that has regained investors’ confidence, owing largely to the priority attached to ethical governance by the SEC, NGX, and other exchanges.
It is also important to note that most of the results released by listed firms showed some level of improvement. In light of this, the market is expected to record further growth. However, there may still be some fluctuations as a result of profit-taking. The performance of the second quarter will also be influenced by the broader macroeconomic environment and geopolitical developments.
Overall, I am confident that the market will grow beyond the inflation rate in Q2. What is your view of the country’s investment environment? The investment landscape is evolving, but it is still constrained in several respects. There is growing sophistication among institutional investors, but retail participation remains relatively low.
Confidence is improving gradually, especially with ongoing reforms in the financial sector. How did the Institute support capacity building and professional development under your leadership? We prioritised human capital development through continuous professional education, examination reforms, and specialised training programmes.
The goal was to ensure that our members remain competitive in an evolving market shaped by technology, regulation, and global integration. We also expanded our digital learning platforms to improve accessibility. Which institutional reforms or innovations were most notable during your tenure?
We strengthened governance structures, improved internal processes, and embraced digital transformation in our operations. In addition, we focused on enhancing transparency, improving member engagement, and aligning the Institute more closely with global best practices in the securities market.
Specifically, what other strategic initiatives do you credit to your administration? I would like to emphasise that this is the result of a collective effort. We provided responsible leadership by fostering collaboration and teamwork across the Institute, while also strengthening partnerships with other trade groups and professional associations in the financial market.
We spearheaded high-level engagements with federal and state governments, as well as the Nigeria Revenue Service, and maintained a strong balance sheet through prudent resource management and well-structured policy initiatives. The Federal Government recognised CIS as a champion of the $1 trillion economy.