Imagine having your business or company registered only to be told that you need to carry out SCUML registration to set up a bank account for your business. Prior to this, you had proceeded to the bank in excitement to set up that business account you have always wanted to have. On getting to the bank, you were directed to one of the bankers who provided you with a list of requirements for setting up your business account. Confident that you had all the requirements, you received the list alongside the account opening form… you say to yourself “My business is registered, nothing in this list could possibly stop me from having my business account set up today…”
As you go through the list, it reads;
i. Company certificate ….. “check…I’ve got that”
ii. Company Status report/CAC Form 1 and 7 as the case may be …. “check… I’ve got that too”
iii. Memorandum and Articles of Association … “I have this as well”
iv. Electricity Bill of business premises …. “that can be arranged..”
v. Board resolution authorizing the opening of account … “Okay, I’ll have my lawyer prepare this…”
vi. SCUML … “Whoa… what in God’s name is SCUML and why wasn’t I informed about this prior to now…”
Sounds like you? In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about SCUML registration in Nigeria.
WHAT IS SCUML?
SCUML is an acronym for the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, which is a department under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a bid to handle situations where businesses were used as conduits for carrying out financial crimes and sponsoring terrorist activities, the SCUML was created and charged with the responsibility of registering, monitoring, and supervising the activities of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) in line with the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Anti Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction for Designated Non-financial Businesses and Professions and other Related Matters) Regulations, 2022.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A SCUML CERTIFICATE?
Obtaining a SCUML certificate can be used as proof that your business is not a conduit for money laundering or sponsoring terrorist activities.
WHO NEEDS A SCUML CERTIFICATE
Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs). DNFIs are typically known to handle a lot of cash in their business transactions thereby making them easy conduits for money laundering activities.
LIST OF DNFIs, BUSINESSES, AND PROFESSIONS THAT CURRENTLY REQUIRE SCUML REGISTRATION
As provided in Section 25 of the Money Laundering Act, Designated Non-Financial Institutions include the following;
- Dealers in Jewellery, Cars and Luxury Goods, Precious Stones and Metals
- Real Estate, Estate Developers, Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Estate Agents,
- Chartered Accountants, Audit Firms, Tax Consultants,
- Clearing and Settlement Companies,
- Hotels, Casinos, Supermarkets,
- Dealers in Mechanized Farming Equipment and Machineries,
- Practitioners of Mechanized Farming, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or
- Such other businesses as the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment or appropriate regulatory authorities may from time to time designate.
- Legal Practitioners, Trust and Company Service Providers.
- Dealers and Miners of Precious Stones and Metals
- Pool Betting and Lottery
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Consultants and Consulting companies
- Construction Companies,
- Importers and Dealers in cars and vehicles
- Dealers in Mechanized farming equipment and machinery
- Practitioners of mechanized farming and any other business(es) as may be designated from time to time by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment or SCUML
HOW DO I GET A SCUML CERTIFICATE
You may obtain a SCUML certificate for your registered company through the following steps;
1. Fill out the SCUML registration form online either by yourself or with the help of experienced agents.
2. Submit the application alongside other required documents
Upon submitting the application, you will receive a notification on whether or not the application was approved or denied.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF SCUML
The following documents are required for SCUML registration;
1. CAC incorporation documents including; Certificate of Incorporation, Articles, and Memorandum of Association
2. Bank Verification Number (BVN), Bank Name, and Account number of at least one director of the company
3. Evidence of tax registration (Tax Identification Number (TIN))
4. Evidence of tax exemption (where applicable)
5. Authorized Operational license (where applicable)
6. Professional certificate (where applicable)
7. Any other document deemed necessary
8. Constitution (in the case of NGOs)
9. Agreement signed between an NGO and the National Planning Commission (applicable to International NGOs)
CLICK THIS LINK for more information on SCUML registration requirements for private companies, business names, and NGOs.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN A SCUML CERTIFICATE
It takes about 14 to 21 days after the submission of the application to complete the registration process and obtain a certificate. Currently, applicants who applied for SCUML certificates in 2024 can receive their electronic certificates in their registered email. This is a welcome development from the previous requirement in which certificates were picked up at any registered zone/state of the applicant’s choice.
DOES A BUSINESS NAME NEED A SCUML CERTIFICATE?
Following the recently updated DNFIs qualified to obtain a SCUML certificate as listed above, registered business names are required to obtain a SCUML certificate.
DOES AN NGO NEED A SCUML CERTIFICATE?
Yes, an NGO like other profit-making organizations is required to obtain a SCUML certificate to serve as proof that it is not involved in money laundering or terrorist financing.
DO I NEED TO REAPPLY FOR A SCUML CERTIFICATE IF I HAVE PREVIOUSLY GOTTEN A SCUML CERTIFICATE FOR MY BUSINESS NAME AND SUBSEQUENTLY HAD IT UPGRADED TO A COMPANY?
Yes, once a business name is upgraded to a company, the phrase “Ltd” is added to the existing name and that makes it different from the previous name contained in the former SCUML certificate.
If your business name was registered as GOD KNOWS BEST for instance and you obtained a SCUML certificate for the said business name. A few weeks later, you had the business name upgraded to a company with the name GOD KNOWS BEST LIMITED. Technically a minor change has been made to the name which is different from the name contained in your previous SCUML certificate. On this basis, you have to reapply for a SCUML certificate to be issued in the name of the newly formed company in spite of the fact that the only difference between the names is the phrase “Limited”.
So long as there are changes to the name (regardless of how minor it is), the nature of the business, or even details of members of the company which is different from what was presented previously, you will need to re-apply for a new SCUML certificate.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SCUML REGISTRATION?
After obtaining a SCUML certificate, companies that receive monies in the sum of N10,000,000 (ten million naira) and above as a lump sum from another company or in the course of transactions are obligated to file a SCUML report directly to SCUML.
Such a report is to be filed within 7 days. Companies that receive 5 million and above from an individual in lump sum are to file SCUML reports. Companies that receive less than 5 million e.g. are to file a NIL report monthly.
Now there you have it, everything you should know about SCUML registration in Nigeria. Would you like us to assist you with obtaining your SCUML certificate? Please reach out to us through the Whatsapp icon on the lower right part of this page or HERE and we will be delighted to assist you.
Emmanuel Oladepo
Thanks for providing such an excellent information
Cynthia Tishion
You're welcome Mr Emmanuel, we are glad you found it useful.
Taiwo Gbolahan
Good evening please I apply for scumml with 6951425 orioke ibudo idande interdenominational deliverance prayer mountain. Please I want to know next step.
Cynthia Tishion
Depending on when you submitted your application, give it 14 days. If you do not receive a response or a query, it's likely you didn't submit your application properly. You may consider getting someone to assist you with the application. For further discussions, you may send a private message through the WhatsApp icon on this page. Please take note that we assist for a fee.
Joy Ifeyinwa
If someone uses another person's professional certificate to register what are the consequences?
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Joy, you need to be clear with your question. What circumstance is giving rise to using another person's professional certificate? You can hit the Whatsapp icon on the lower right part of this page, let's have a chat. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Okanlawon Akanji
Good day Sir, I've commenced our Firm registration with SCULM, along the line, the form expired on March 23, before I could upload the required documents. I couldn't login now or do another registration. What should I do?
Cynthia Tishion
Sorry to learn about your plight Mr Okanlawon. You may have to create another account for registration or outsource the application process to experienced persons who can apply on your behalf. We can help you with that, if the second option is fine with you.
Bhernie
Good morning, please is SCUML a requirement for a Freight forwarder. (the clearing agents that clears containers at the wharf). Thank you
Cynthia Tishion
Hi Bhernie, yes SCUML is a requirement for Frieght forwarders.
Lawrence Offiong
Hi, great article! Is SCUML a requirement for Creative or Digital Agencies?
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Lawrence, thank you for your feedback! Yes, SCUML is a requirement for creative and digital agencies.
Doreen
Hello Good afternoon, pls my company already has a corporate account, can I use any of the corporate bank details for registration or most it be the directors personal bank details?
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Doreen, the answer to your question is Yes. You can use any of the corporate bank details for registration.
Mike
Good day please is Cac form 7 and form 2 required for NGO ? And how do I go about the form 7 and 2 if so required
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Mike, thank you for reaching out. CAC Forms 2 and 7 isn't for NGOs but for registered companies. What CAC provides for NGOs are; Certificate of incorporation, Details of members of the board of trustees and the Constitution of the organisation. Hope this helps?
Jimmy Abadi
The admin here is so responsive. Kudos!
Cynthia Tishion
Thank you Mr Jimmy!
Mike
Morning please I was logged out and they informed me to use the password and username sent to my mail , but no such was sent to my mail, how do I go about that please
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Mike, sorry to hear about your plight. Please check your spam, and promotions of the email you used in submitting your application to remove any doubts about not receiving your password and login details. If you still do not see it, I'm afraid you may have to contact the nearest SCUML office or start all over again.
Olayinka
Well done, is it also necessary for church to have SCUML certificate before opening a bank account?
Cynthia Tishion
Thank you Mr Olayinka. It is mandatory for all churches to have a SCUML certificate before setting up a bank account. In summary all registered entities in Nigeria (profit-making or non-profit making) so long as they have intentions of carrying out financial transactions using their corporate account, must obtain a SCUML certificate. This is in line with International as well as National policy measures put in place by the Federal Government to fight against Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism. You'll agree with me that there has been a long history of individuals and organisations who take advantage of business organisations as well as non-profits to carry out money laundering as well as sponsor terrorism. Therefore, SCUML registration has become mandatory for all registered entities. I hope this answers your question?
Antonio
Apparently it is only registered businesses that need SCUML. What about individual accounts like normal savings and current accounts that can receive 10million and above?
Cynthia Tishion
Individual accounts do not need SCUML. As for the transaction amount, the individual's bank is mandated to carry out returns to the EFCC where they receive deposits worth N5,000,000 (five million naira) and above from their customers who are individuals.
Qawiyat Olabisi Bello
Hello, thanks for the sharing that, however I will like to know if my printing business needs scuml because I have already processed my CAC
Cynthia Tishion
You're welcome Mr Olabisi. So long as your business intends to operate a bank account in its name, it will be required to obtain a SCUML certificate. So the answer to your question is YES.
Baban Abba
This is very nice and really appreciate on this page, because it's helf me and protect from fraudulents
Cynthia Tishion
Wow! I'm glad this page has been of help to you. Thanks for the feedback!
Ann Buwa
Thanks for the information you shared. I have a problem. My bank blocked my account and said i need to get a SCUML certificate. I used to use the account for business ( it was my father who registered the company for his hotel, but upgraded it to limited, then i took over the business name, and opened an account with First bank, far back as 20years). I then stopped the business i was doing ,like 18years back, but i did not close the account, i used the account for personal saving for my church program that comes up, once a year. I save the amount and clear it during the programme for my expensive and then start saving again for the next year. I have been doing this for the past 15years. Suddenly the account is blocked, this August( that was when i tried withdraw for preparations for my church program) without any information from my bank, now they are requesting me to get a SCUML. What do i do? The business name is registered as a hotel, which was done far back 2000. I expected, the bank to inform me or draw my attention to it or caution me, before blocking it. The amount has never reached 300k. This year it over 400k, becos of my children donation that given for the church programme, becos i loss my husband this year. I am confused on what to do. The programme starts by 30 of sept. Please advice me, what to do. Requirement for SCUML is not here. Did not use the account for business?
Cynthia Tishion
Sorry to learn about your plight Ann. But based on the information you've provided so far, the account in question is a business account and as such you need to get SCUML registration for that company otherwise your account will remain blocked. We can help you process that for a fee. Simply click the Whatsapp icon on our page and we'll attend to you.
Wasiu
Please I have applied for SUML for over a month now, and I have not gotten the certificate number or a rejection email. The only email I got was that my application was successful. Each time I login and click on any link, this is the message that I receive: "Application form for RC6898396: UCML SECURITIES LIMITED has been locked!".
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Wasiu, sorry to learn about your plight. We can assist you with getting your SCUML certificate for a fee. Simply send a message to the Whatsapp icon on this page and we'll attend to you.
Mani
Hi, i started SCUML registration but made a mistake when putting my business name. I have been unable to correct it and now the account is reading blocked
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mani, sorry about your plight. Unfortunately, its difficult to recommend an action to take on your account since we have know idea about what could have transpired with the account. We can however apply for a SCUML certificate on your behalf for a fee. If you are open to exploring this option, please reach out to us via the Whatsapp link on this page and we will attend to you.
Lanre Salami
How do write a letter to apply for a scuml
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Lanre, a written letter is not required. We assist our clients with the application process for a fee. If you need an expert to assist you with the process, please leave a message on the Whatsapp icon on this page or give us a call and we will attend to you.
Jasmine
Does a clinic or hospital need scuml also?
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Jasmine. No, a clinic or hospital does not need SCUML.
Twin Passion Real Estate Limited
Good evening Sir/ Ma, please I need certificate of issue, I applied early this year and I'm yet to have my certificate
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Twin Passion Real Estate, thank you for your patience. Since we were not a part of your SCUML registration process, its difficult to ascertain why your registration was unsuccessful. However, we can assist you with re-applying for the certificate, but its for a fee. If you are interested in working with us, kindly leave a message through the Whatsapp icon on this page and we'll attend to you.
Eyo
For a construction company, who in the company needs to submit the professional license or certificate?
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Eyo, any registered member of the company whose name is on the registration document, (which is the director in most cases) can provide their qualifying/proficiency certificate on behalf of your construction company.
Samson
What if non of the directors have a professional certificate (for a construction company), what then should be done?
Cynthia Tishion
Mr Samson you may leave a message via the Whatsapp icon on this page lets see how we can be of help.
Bashir Nuhu Bakori
Good evening sir I wish to apply scuml registration of my company NABAKORI GLOBAL SERVICE Thanks
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Bashir, kindly click the Whatsapp icon on this page to speak to us about this.
Seun
please how do i contact you on whatsapp mobile???
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Seun, kindly click on the Whatsapp icon on this page to get to us.
Reason Cobsult
can i please get help on applying for this
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Reason Consult, Yes, we assist our clients in this regard for a fee. We've also received your email and Whatsapp inquiry. Please check your mail and Whatsapp message for a detailed response.
Temi
Please what are the documents to get ready to register for scuml as a real estate company
Cynthia Tishion
Hi Temi, The documents for a real estate company are as follows, 1. CAC registration documents 2. Tax Identification number 3. Bank details of the company or a member of the company such as; Bank name, Account name and Account number 4. BVN of (3) above 5. Qualifying certificate as a real estate company such as; REDAN Certificate
Emerald
Great job! This content is written to be very amazing and filled with the necessary words.
Cynthia Tishion
Thank you Emerald, I'm glad you find the article relevant and useful.
PEACE EKENE-OKEKE
Good morning. Please i want to ask, does a Finance House (Money Lenders) need Scuml. I will really appreciate your response. Thank you
Cynthia Tishion
Good morning Peace, the answer to your question is Yes. A finance house or financial service provider is required to obtain a SCUML certificate.
Atinuke Haruna
Good morning, I applied for a SCMUL certificate and got approval on the 28 of May 2024. Please I will want to know the date the certificate will be ready for pickup.
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Atinuke, I'll advise that you kindly visit the SCUML office in the location you chose during the application for information in that regard.
Akanji Oluwasegun
Hi, thank you for the explanation. In case of a church, how do we go about SCUML registration because we don't have Memorandum of association and its one of the documents you listed
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Oluwasegun, a Constitution of the board of Trustees, takes the place of the Memorandum and articles of association. The latter applies to Limited Liability Companies only.
Olayinka
Please I want to ask. If I want to re apply for SCUML Certificate. Can I still use the Bank account and BVN I have used earlier? My earlier application form was locked before I could upload all the necessary documents. Please I await your response. Thank you
Cynthia Tishion
Hello Mr Olayinka, you can use the bank account and BVN you used earlier.