The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all capital market operators (CMOs) to renew their registration between January 1 and 31, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve efficiency in the capital market.
The Commission also announced that it will begin electronic submission and processing of registration applications and updates in the first quarter of 2026, a move aimed at reducing delays and eliminating manual procedures.
Speaking during a weekend interview in Abuja, SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama said the reforms reflect the Commission’s commitment to faster, more transparent, and technology-driven regulatory processes.
According to Agama, the SEC’s Digital Transformation Portal has already automated registration and licensing end-to-end, allowing operators to submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online. He added that the newly introduced Commercial Paper issuance module now enables electronic filing and approvals, significantly improving turnaround time.
He disclosed that the Commission is also working on automating quarterly and annual returns submissions, supported by structured templates and analytics dashboards to enhance risk-based supervision.
To support these initiatives, the SEC is upgrading its IT infrastructure and cybersecurity systems, while selectively migrating suitable platforms to the cloud to improve speed, scalability, and reliability.
Agama noted that while the Nigerian capital market is making steady progress toward digital transformation, there remains a need for clear regulation of emerging technologies, capacity building, and targeted support for smaller firms.
He urged market operators to adopt innovation responsibly, stressing that data security, investor protection, and regulatory compliance must remain non-negotiable to sustain trust and long-term market stability.
