The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that capital market operators will be required to renew their registration between January 1 and 31, 2026.

To streamline the process, the Commission said it will commence electronic receipt and processing of applications for registration and updates in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking in Abuja over the weekend, SEC Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, emphasised the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for faster, more transparent, and efficient regulatory processes.

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“Through our Digital Transformation Portal, operators can now submit applications, upload documents, and track approvals online, reducing manual processing time and limiting the need for physical visits,” Dr Agama explained.

He also highlighted the rollout of the commercial paper issuance module, which allows operators to file documents, monitor progress, and receive approvals electronically. Early feedback indicates a marked improvement in turnaround times.

“Work is ongoing to automate quarterly and annual returns submissions, with structured templates and system checks to ensure accuracy. A returns analytics dashboard is also in development to support risk-based supervision and exception reporting,” Dr Agama added.

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The SEC boss further noted that efforts to strengthen data integrity and cybersecurity, including vulnerability assessments and planned penetration testing, are underway to build a resilient regulatory environment that promotes efficiency, investor confidence, and market stability.

Dr Agama affirmed that the Nigerian capital market is on a clear path toward digital transformation, calling for regulatory clarity on advanced technologies, targeted support for smaller firms, and continuous capacity-building initiatives.