️ SEC Sets January 2026 Deadline for Market Operators’ Registration Renewal — Goes Fully Digital
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a mandatory registration renewal window for all capital market operators, reinforcing its push toward a more efficient and technology-driven regulatory environment.
Key Dates to Note
• Renewal period: January 1 – January 31, 2026
• Who is affected: All registered capital market operators
• Compliance is mandatory to remain authorized to operate in Nigeria’s capital market
SEC to Launch Full Electronic Registration Process
To simplify compliance and reduce bottlenecks, the SEC disclosed that it will begin electronic receipt and processing of registration applications and registration updates in the first quarter of 2026.
This move marks a major step away from manual, paper-based processes.
⚙️ What’s Changing: Key Digital Upgrades
According to the SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Commission is investing heavily in technology to improve regulatory efficiency:
✅ End-to-End Online Registration
• Operators can now submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online
• Reduces manual processing time and eliminates frequent physical visits
✅ Digital Transformation Portal
• Central hub for registration and licensing
• Improves transparency and speed of approvals
✅ Commercial Paper Issuance Module
• Enables electronic filing, tracking, and approvals
• Early users report faster turnaround times
✅ Automated Returns Submission (In Progress)
• Quarterly and annual returns will soon be submitted electronically
• Structured templates and system checks to improve data accuracy
• A returns analytics dashboard is being developed to support:
• Risk-based supervision
• Exception reporting
Infrastructure & Security Enhancements
To support these reforms, the SEC is upgrading:
• IT infrastructure, servers, and storage systems
• Network capacity and security layers
• Selective cloud migration for platforms requiring scalability and external access
• Core internal systems will remain on-premise for now, pending security and cost assessments
Why This Matters
These reforms signal a clear shift toward:
• Faster regulatory processes
• Greater transparency
• Reduced operational friction for market operators
• Improved regulatory oversight through data and analytics
For operators, early preparation and timely compliance will be critical to avoid disruptions in 2026.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced a mandatory registration renewal window for all capital market operators, reinforcing its push toward a more efficient and technology-driven regulatory environment.
Key Dates to Note
• Renewal period: January 1 – January 31, 2026
• Who is affected: All registered capital market operators
• Compliance is mandatory to remain authorized to operate in Nigeria’s capital market
SEC to Launch Full Electronic Registration Process
To simplify compliance and reduce bottlenecks, the SEC disclosed that it will begin electronic receipt and processing of registration applications and registration updates in the first quarter of 2026.
This move marks a major step away from manual, paper-based processes.
⚙️ What’s Changing: Key Digital Upgrades
According to the SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Commission is investing heavily in technology to improve regulatory efficiency:
✅ End-to-End Online Registration
• Operators can now submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online
• Reduces manual processing time and eliminates frequent physical visits
✅ Digital Transformation Portal
• Central hub for registration and licensing
• Improves transparency and speed of approvals
✅ Commercial Paper Issuance Module
• Enables electronic filing, tracking, and approvals
• Early users report faster turnaround times
✅ Automated Returns Submission (In Progress)
• Quarterly and annual returns will soon be submitted electronically
• Structured templates and system checks to improve data accuracy
• A returns analytics dashboard is being developed to support:
• Risk-based supervision
• Exception reporting
Infrastructure & Security Enhancements
To support these reforms, the SEC is upgrading:
• IT infrastructure, servers, and storage systems
• Network capacity and security layers
• Selective cloud migration for platforms requiring scalability and external access
• Core internal systems will remain on-premise for now, pending security and cost assessments
Why This Matters
These reforms signal a clear shift toward:
• Faster regulatory processes
• Greater transparency
• Reduced operational friction for market operators
• Improved regulatory oversight through data and analytics
For operators, early preparation and timely compliance will be critical to avoid disruptions in 2026.