Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), on Monday, in a circular, urged capital market operators to always provide a true and fair view on the impact of the ravaging Coronavirus (COVID-19) on their business operations.
A circular which the commission said is to provide an update to stakeholders within the capital market, assured “investors that while efforts are on-going to ensure that capital market services remain accessible, the commission’s priority is the protection of investors. Kindly contact us through sec@sec.gov.ng for complaints and enquiries.
The circular also announced the reopening of its Abuja office to the public from 10 am to 1 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
This, the SEC’s management explained, followed the Federal Government’s partial easing of the lockdown measures introduced to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic across the country.
However, due to the need to protect its stakeholders and members of staff, the commission advised that physical visits to its office should only be considered as a last resort. Instead, it urged stakeholders to continue accessing its products and services through the various e-channels earlier communicated.
Other guidelines issued by the SEC are that all meetings and events be convened electronically until further notice; while all filings shall continue to be received electronically.
It said visitors will be subjected to temperature checks and hand sanitization before accessing the commission’s building; even as they must wear facemasks and abide by physical distancing rules within the commission’s facility.
The circular outlawed non-official visits at this time, adding that all visitors must state their purpose and identify themselves at the entrance.
The SEC also strongly recommends that appointments are booked in advance of physical visits, urging capital market stakeholders to continue adhering to the safety guidelines issued by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other relevant agencies on Covid-19.