Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has directed all Capital Market Operators to renew their registration between January 1 and 31, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Commission noted that from the first quarter of 2026, it will begin electronic receipt and processing of registration applications, including updates to operators’ registration information.
SEC Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed the plans in an interview in Abuja, highlighting that the reforms are aimed at fostering a more transparent, technology-driven regulatory framework.
“We are taking deliberate steps to make regulatory processes faster, more transparent, and technology-driven,” the release quoted Agama as saying.
The SEC is reminding Capital Market Operators of the annual registration renewal requirement, which is mandatory for continued operation in the capital market.
To streamline the process, the Commission has introduced the Digital Transformation Portal.
According to Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the SEC has fully automated the registration and licensing workflow, allowing market operators to submit applications, upload documents, and track approval status online.
This initiative significantly reduces processing time and minimizes the need for physical visits to the Commission.
The Commission has also introduced an automated module for Commercial Paper issuance, allowing operators to submit documents, track progress, and receive approvals electronically. According to Dr. Agama, early feedback indicates faster turnaround times and a reduction in administrative bottlenecks.
Further enhancements are underway to automate the submission of quarterly and annual returns using structured templates and system-driven accuracy checks. The Commission is also developing a returns analytics dashboard to support risk-based supervision and enable prompt reporting of exceptions.
To support these digital reforms, the SEC is upgrading its IT infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, networks, and security frameworks. Selective cloud migration is in progress for platforms requiring scalability and external access, while core systems will remain on-premise pending security and cost evaluations.
Dr. Agama also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen data integrity and cybersecurity, including vulnerability assessments and planned penetration testing once the automation phases stabilize. He emphasised that responsible technology adoption is central to maintaining investor trust, calling it “the cornerstone of our markets.”
The SEC DG further stressed the importance of regulatory clarity for emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, alongside capacity-building initiatives, particularly for smaller operators. He noted that while innovation is essential, its ethical and compliant deployment remains non-negotiable.
“As operators embrace automation, AI, and data-driven tools, they must ensure ethical, secure, and compliant deployment,” Agama said.
