SEC Fixes January 31 Deadline for 2026 CMO Registration

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has fixed January 31, 2026, as the final deadline for Capital Market Operators to renew their registration for the 2026 financial year. 

The Commission said the renewal window will run from January 1 to January 31, and operators who fail to comply within this period risk being unable to operate legally in the capital market.

The announcement was made in a statement released on December 21, 2025, as part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s capital market.

Shift to full digital registration

The SEC disclosed that from the first quarter of 2026, registration renewals and updates to operators’ records will be handled electronically. 

This marks a major shift away from manual, paper-based submissions that often cause delays and bottlenecks.

According to the Commission, the move will allow Capital Market Operators to submit applications, upload required documents, and monitor their approval status online. The goal is to make the renewal process faster, easier, and more transparent, while reducing the need for physical visits to the Commission’s offices.

SEC Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, explained that the reforms are part of the Commission’s plan to build a technology-driven regulatory environment that supports market growth and investor confidence.

What the regulator expects from CMOs

The SEC reminded all Capital Market Operators that annual registration renewal is mandatory. Without a valid renewal, operators are not permitted to carry out any capital market activities.

To support compliance, the Commission has introduced a Digital Transformation Portal designed to simplify regulatory processes. 

Through this platform, operators can complete the entire registration and licensing workflow online, cutting down processing time and reducing direct contact with regulators.

Dr. Agama noted that this automation covers the full cycle, from application submission to final approval, making the system more efficient for both operators and the regulator.

Faster approvals and reduced delays

Beyond registration renewals, the SEC has also automated other key regulatory processes. One of these is the Commercial Paper issuance module, which allows operators to file documents, track progress, and receive approvals electronically.

Early feedback, according to the Commission, shows that these changes have improved turnaround time and reduced administrative delays that previously slowed down market activities.

The SEC is also working on automating the submission of quarterly and annual returns. This will be done using structured templates and system-based accuracy checks to reduce errors and improve reporting quality. A returns analytics dashboard is being developed to help the regulator monitor risks more effectively and identify issues early.

Building stronger systems and protecting data

To support these digital reforms, the SEC has started upgrading its IT infrastructure. This includes improvements to servers, storage systems, networks, and security frameworks. 

Some platforms are being moved to the cloud to allow for better scalability and external access, while core systems will remain on-premise for now, pending further security and cost assessments.

Dr. Agama also revealed that the Commission is strengthening its cybersecurity measures. These include vulnerability assessments and planned penetration testing once the automation systems are fully stabilised. According to him, protecting data and ensuring system security are essential to maintaining investor trust in the market.

Focus on ethics, innovation, and market trust

The SEC Director General stressed that while technology and innovation are important, they must be adopted responsibly. He pointed to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, noting that clear regulations and capacity building especially for smaller operators are necessary to ensure fair and compliant use.

He urged Capital Market Operators to embrace automation while maintaining high standards of fairness, transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance. According to him, investor trust remains the foundation of a strong and credible capital market.

With the January 31 deadline now fixed, the SEC is advising all operators to begin preparations early and take full advantage of the new digital systems to avoid last-minute issues and ensure uninterrupted operations in 2026.