SEC Sets January 31 Deadline for Capital Market Operators’ Registration Renewal

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all capital market operators (CMOs) to renew their registration between January 1 and January 31, 2026, stressing that compliance within the stipulated period is mandatory for continued participation in the market. The move underscores the Commission’s resolve to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure an orderly capital market.

To simplify the process, the SEC announced that it will commence electronic receipt and processing of registration applications and updates in the first quarter of 2026. This digital shift, according to the Commission, is designed to reduce bottlenecks, eliminate unnecessary physical visits, and speed up approval timelines for market operators.

Speaking on the initiative, SEC Director General, Emomotimi Agama, said the Commission is deliberately investing in technology to make regulatory processes faster, more transparent, and more efficient. He explained that through the SEC’s Digital Transformation Portal, registration and licensing have now been fully automated, allowing operators to submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online.

Agama added that the Commission has also introduced an electronic Commercial Paper issuance module, which enables operators to file documents, monitor progress, and receive approvals digitally. He noted that early feedback from users indicates significant improvements in turnaround time, while work is ongoing to automate quarterly and annual returns submissions, supported by analytics dashboards for risk-based supervision.

The SEC boss reaffirmed that Nigeria’s capital market is firmly on a digital transformation path, but emphasized the need for regulatory clarity on emerging technologies, capacity building for smaller firms, and strong investor education—especially among younger participants. He urged operators to adopt innovation responsibly, stressing that ethical deployment of technology, data security, and regulatory compliance remain critical to sustaining investor trust and strengthening the long-term credibility of the Nigerian capital market.

source: business day