The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that Nigeria's collective investment schemes, commonly known as mutual funds, have grown to N8.6 trillion. This revelation came during a Children's Day event in Abuja on Tuesday, where the commission emphasized its commitment to promoting investment literacy among Nigerian children.

SEC Director General, Emomotimi Agama, highlighted the importance of early financial education while speaking at the 2025 Children's Day event organized by Ryan & Jasmine Consult in collaboration with Assertium.

"It is important to start preparing our children earlier around investment culture, sensitisation against Ponzi schemes, and, of course, making them more confident about the future this country has for them," Agama stated.

The SEC DG explained that collective investment schemes are particularly significant for children's financial future since individuals under 18 years cannot directly invest in the capital market. He expressed optimism that these funds would continue to grow, given Nigeria's demographic profile where children constitute a majority of the population.

"The collective investment is growing, over N8.6 trillion now in Nigeria; we believe it will grow bigger. In terms of the demography of Nigeria, you can understand that we have more children than adults. It is so important we inculcate the value of investing in children so that right from the cradle," he added.

Mary Makajuola, representative of Ryan & Jasmine, and Monsurat Ayoola, Group Chief Executive Officer of Assertium, both emphasized the need to teach children investment principles at an early age.

"We are celebrating Children's Day today. Our wonderful youngsters. It is just to have fun and learn in the same spot. We created the platform to enable children to control their butterflies in their systems and give them confidence to invest," Makajuola said.

The event also featured young participants, including Modesire Makajuola, who shared her learning experience: "I have learned how to save and invest in goods and services. I will want the Nigerian government to build roads and be firm in politics. Happy Children's Day to everyone."

The SEC's initiative aligns with broader government efforts to improve financial literacy and create a more investment-savvy generation of Nigerians, starting with children who represent the country's future economic participants.