SEC Sets January 2026 Deadline for Capital Market Operators’ Registration, Launches Digital Processing Portal
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed all capital market operators to renew their registration between January 1 and 31, 2026, while unveiling plans to fully digitize the registration process in a bid to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The announcement was made over the weekend in Abuja by Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General of the SEC, who emphasized the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline regulatory operations.
"These initiatives reflect our commitment to leveraging technology for faster, more transparent, and efficient regulatory processes," Agama said. "We are investing in automation, database supervision, and secure infrastructure to improve how we interact with the market."
Digital Transformation Portal for Registration
Through the SEC’s Digital Transformation Portal, operators can now submit applications, upload required documents, and track approvals entirely online. This end-to-end automation reduces manual processing time and eliminates the need for physical visits, making the registration process smoother for market participants.
The Commission has also rolled out a Commercial Paper issuance module, allowing operators to file documents, monitor progress, and receive approvals electronically. Early feedback indicates a significant improvement in turnaround times.
Future Plans for Automation
Dr. Agama revealed that work is ongoing to automate quarterly and annual returns submissions using structured templates and system checks to ensure accuracy. A returns analytics dashboard is also in development to support risk-based supervision and exception reporting.
To support these digital initiatives, the SEC has begun upgrading its IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, networks, and security systems. Selective cloud migration is underway for platforms requiring scalability and external access, while core internal systems remain on-premises as the Commission evaluates security and cost implications.
By embracing technology-driven solutions, the SEC aims to make regulatory processes faster, more transparent, and more accessible, signaling a new era for Nigeria’s capital market operations.