Olukoyede Charges DNFBPs on SCUML Compliance in South-East

March 18, 2026, Enugu, Nigeria

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on operators of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in the South-East to comply with mandatory registration under the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).

Olukoyede made the call during a live radio programme at the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, where he emphasized the importance of SCUML certification for businesses operating in the non-financial sector.

Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Promise Oluigbo, who heads the SCUML Department in the Enugu Zonal Directorate, the EFCC boss noted that SCUML is responsible for the registration, regulation, monitoring, and supervision of DNFBPs as provided under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

He explained that DNFBPs include businesses such as automobile dealerships, real estate firms, construction companies, hospitality services, supermarkets, legal practitioners, consultants, and non-profit organisations.

Olukoyede stressed that the SCUML registration process is completely free and does not require the involvement of any third party. He urged business owners to directly access the SCUML portal to complete their registration, warning against individuals or groups who charge fees under the guise of facilitating the process.

“With the introduction of electronic certification, which has enhanced efficiency and eliminated the risk of fake certificates, over 480,000 entities have already been registered nationwide,” he stated.

He further cautioned that the EFCC does not authorise third-party agents for SCUML registration and frowns upon any form of exploitation of business owners.

While reiterating the importance of compliance, Olukoyede urged businesses to adhere strictly to statutory requirements, including Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, customer due diligence, proper record-keeping, and the reporting of suspicious transactions. He warned that failure to comply constitutes a violation of the law and may attract fines, imprisonment, or other regulatory sanctions.

He concluded by noting that the objective of the SCUML framework is not to hinder business operations but to protect Nigeria’s financial system, promote transparency, and safeguard legitimate enterprises from illicit financial activities.