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.

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.

DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled to announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust.

The model is a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to settle assets into a trust, for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that peoples’ assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management. The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes. The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level. DLM Trust Company holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation. “The DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.” The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities. As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.