The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified efforts to reduce unclaimed funds and other dormant investment assets by launching a Probate/Unclaimed Monies Awareness and Investor Clinic aimed at helping beneficiaries recover inherited investments and strengthening investor protection in Nigeria’s capital market.

The SEC said the clinic forms part of its broader investor protection strategy and provides participants with direct access to experts on tracing investments, verifying shareholder records, resolving probate-related issues and recovering unclaimed capital market assets.

Speaking at the opening of the clinic in Abuja organised by the Commission in partnership with Meristem on Thursday, Emomotimi Agama, Director-General, SEC said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between investors’ legal entitlements and their ability to access inherited assets.

He noted that many Nigerian families face prolonged delays in accessing shares, dividends and other investments after the death of loved ones because they are unfamiliar with probate procedures, documentation requirements and registrar processes.

“For many Nigerian families, the death of a loved one who held shares, dividends, or other investments marks the beginning of a long and often confusing journey,” Agama said.