The Federal Government, through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), has issued a stringent directive mandating Point of Sales (PoS) operators to register their agents, merchants, and individuals within a two-month timeframe.

The move comes as part of efforts to comply with legal requirements and align with the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The decision was reached during a crucial meeting between representatives of the fintech industry and the Registrar-General of the CAC, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, held in Abuja on Monday.

With over 1.9 million PoS terminals deployed nationwide by merchants and individuals, the registration requirement aims to bolster consumer protection measures and fortify the integrity of the financial ecosystem.

According to the Registrar-General, the initiative is in line with Section 863, Subsection 1 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, as well as the 2013 CBN guidelines on agent banking.

Speaking on the matter, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji emphasized that the registration deadline, set for July 7, 2024, is not intended to target specific groups or individuals but rather serves as a proactive measure to safeguard businesses and ensure regulatory compliance across the board.

In a statement released by the commission, it was highlighted that the collaboration between the Corporate Affairs Commission and fintech companies underscores a mutual commitment to upholding industry standards and fostering a conducive environment for financial transactions.

The decision to implement this registration requirement follows recent concerns over fraudulent activities involving PoS terminals, which accounted for 26.37% of fraud incidents in 2023, according to a report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).

The directive from the Federal Government comes amidst a broader crackdown on financial irregularities, including the prohibition of cryptocurrency trading and heightened scrutiny of fintech operations by regulatory authorities.

Last week, major fintech firms were instructed by the CBN to halt onboarding new customers and to warn against cryptocurrency trading on their platforms.

The move by the CBN is part of a larger effort to enhance regulatory oversight and combat illicit financial activities, including money laundering and terrorism financing.

Prior to this directive, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had obtained court orders to freeze numerous bank accounts allegedly involved in illegal foreign exchange transactions.

In response to the directive, fintech firms have pledged to collaborate with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the registration requirement.

However, they have also stressed the importance of comprehensive sensitization efforts to educate stakeholders about the implications of non-compliance and the benefits of regulatory adherence.

As the deadline approaches, PoS operators are expected to expedite the registration process and ensure that all agents, merchants, and individuals are duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, demonstrating a collective commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

The Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) recently played host to the largest container ship ever to conduct full operations at an eastern port.

The container vessel, named Kota Cempaka and owned by Pacific International Lines (PIL), measures an impressive 300 meters in length and boasts the capacity to carry 6,600 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers.

During its maiden call at the Onne Port in April 2024, the Kota Cempaka undertook the loading and discharging of over 2,000 containers, handling a mix of Nigerian imports and exports.

This achievement underscores the terminal’s capability to accommodate large-scale vessels, marking a significant advancement for both the Onne Multipurpose Terminal and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

James Stewart, the Chief Operations Officer of Onne Multipurpose Terminal, expressed pride in the successful berthing and operation of the Kota Cempaka at Onne Port.

He highlighted the trust placed by PIL in OMT’s handling capabilities, emphasizing the global trend of shipping lines deploying larger vessels to enhance efficiency and reduce transportation costs for Nigerian traders.

Jacob Gulmann, the Managing Director of OMT, acknowledged the collaborative efforts between OMT and the NPA to prepare for the influx of larger vessels.

He particularly commended the NPA’s initiatives to ensure adequate water depth at the port, a critical factor in accommodating the new generation of vessels.

Situated within the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State, OMT commenced operations in 2021 as a container terminal operator equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

With 750 meters of deep-water berths, a water depth of 12 meters, and modern handling equipment, including mobile harbor cranes and terminal trucks, OMT stands as a vital player in Nigeria’s logistics sector.

The terminal’s utilization of advanced IT systems from Navis Terminal Operating System and SAP enables seamless cargo handling across various categories.

OMT’s commitment to efficiency and innovation reflects its dedication to supporting Nigeria’s maritime trade and economic growth.

Seplat Energy, one of Nigeria’s prominent energy companies, has set its sights on an ambitious drilling program for 2024, with plans to deliver 13 new oil and gas wells across its operated and non-operated assets.

This announcement comes as part of the company’s unaudited results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2024.

The breakdown of the new wells reveals a strategic focus, with 11 dedicated to oil production and 2 aimed at gas production.

Seplat Energy highlights the successful commencement of its drilling program by delivering one well, Ovhor21, in the first quarter of 2024.

Also, two wells, Okporhuru-9 and Sapele-37, which were initiated towards the end of 2023, have been completed.

Both Okporhuru-9 and Sapele-37 have yielded promising results. Okporhuru-9 has discovered multiple hydrocarbon-bearing intervals in deeper formations, while Sapele-37 encountered hydrocarbons in deeper reservoirs, along with proving up a northern extension to the Sapele field.

Seplat Energy is now conducting further technical analysis to assess the commercial potential of these discoveries and the wider implications for OML 41.

Looking ahead, Seplat Energy is committed to delivering the remaining 12 wells on the 2024 drilling plan.

Three wells, namely Ovhor-22, Sapele-38, and OBEN KIKB-02, are expected to be completed during the second quarter, with the aim of supporting production volumes later in the year.

Roger Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, expressed optimism about the discoveries, emphasizing the promising initial results and highlighting the quality of Nigeria’s geological resources.

He also acknowledged the progressive actions taken by President Tinubu and industry regulators to support the energy sector.

Furthermore, Seplat Energy has made strides in enhancing its operational efficiency and shareholder value.

The company has released the applicable exchange rate for determining its final and special dividend payout to shareholders who opt to receive their dividends in naira.

With an exchange rate of N1,309.88 per $1, shareholders can expect clarity and transparency in dividend payments.

Seplat Energy’s ambitious drilling program underscores its commitment to driving growth and innovation in Nigeria’s energy landscape while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and value creation for stakeholders.