CAC Sets January 1 Deadline for Mandatory Registration as Nationwide Crackdown on Unregistered POS Operators Begins

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The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a sweeping nationwide enforcement action targeting all unregistered Point of Sale (POS) operators, warning that any operator not duly registered by January 1, 2026, will be shut down and their terminals seized.

In a public notice released on Saturday, the commission expressed deep concern over the growing number of POS operators conducting business without proper registration—an act it described as a violation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agent Banking Regulations.

According to the CAC, the proliferation of unregistered POS businesses—often aided by some fintech companies—has created loopholes that threaten Nigeria’s financial system, expose citizens to fraud, and undermine regulatory oversight.

“The CAC has observed the rising number of PoS operators running without registration, violating CAMA 2020 and CBN Agent Banking Regulations. This reckless practice often enabled by some fintech companies puts Nigeria’s financial system and citizens’ investments at risk. This must stop,” the statement read.

Beginning January 1, 2026, enforcement teams will work with security agencies nationwide to ensure compliance. The commission stated unequivocally that POS operators without CAC certification will be barred from operating, and their devices confiscated.

The directive also places fintech companies under close scrutiny. Any fintech found facilitating or onboarding unregistered POS agents will be placed on a regulatory watchlist and reported to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“All operators are advised to regularize immediately. Compliance is mandatory,” the commission warned, urging POS merchants to complete their registration processes without delay to avoid sanctions.

The announcement signals one of the most aggressive regulatory moves targeting Nigeria’s fast-growing POS and agent banking ecosystem, as authorities attempt to curb fraud, improve transparency, and strengthen financial stability.