Samuel Mobolaji
Nigerian Exchange Limited has launched the NGX Impact Board in a bid to champion sustainable finance solutions.
The launching ceremony was done alongside the Closing Gong ceremony in celebration of the minister of Environment, and the Co-chair of the Green Bond Advisory Committee, Mr. Balarabe Lawal yesterday in Lagos.
Also, the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Emomotimi Agama, were among other top dignitaries who joined the NGX Group Plc to officially launch the Board.
The NGX Impact Board is a platform dedicated to listing sustainability instruments including Green Bonds, Social Bonds, Sustainability Bonds, and other related instruments as it aims to create a specialised ecosystem for issuers and investors committed to driving sustainable development.
Speaking, Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal said, “With the environmental issues around the country, flood, pollution and so on, we need funds to tackle these challenges.”
He stated that the government alone cannot provide the funds needed, and the capital market is the place where ‘we can mobilise adequate resources in support of environmental sustainability efforts.’
Agama stated that SEC is reiterated to support the market growth and is ready to partner with key stakeholders in driving the sustainability growth of Nigeria’s economy.
The Chairman of NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga stated that the Exchange has the capacity, resources and technology to raise funds required by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Nigeria’s economy in general to drive sustainability.
Kwairanga reiterated that the $1 trillion economy by 2026 would be achieved through effective utilisation of the Exchange.
He disclosed that, the Gombe State government is about to file with the SEC about the N20 billion Green Bond exercise.
The Group CEO of Nigerian Exchange Group, Mr. Temi Popoola expressed that the Group is committed to driving sustainability instruments with the right frameworks.
