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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has commenced the implementation of a fully electronic registration process for capital market operators as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s capital market and improve regulatory efficiency.

The Commission, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the electronic registration (e-Registration) platform, deployed through its ePortal, would enable designated regulatory services to be completed entirely online.

According to the SEC, the platform allows Capital Market Operators (CMOs) to complete approved registration processes digitally, including application submission, regulatory review, approvals and communication of decisions.

It said the initiative would eliminate manual processing for services covered in the current phase, while simplifying regulatory interactions, reducing administrative bottlenecks, shortening processing timelines and giving applicants improved visibility into the status of their applications.

The Commission explained that migrating to a fully digital registration system would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen regulatory oversight through standardised workflows, electronic documentation, secure digital record management and improved audit trails.

“The new platform represents a major step towards creating a seamless digital regulatory ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency while strengthening regulatory effectiveness,” the SEC said.

The regulator said the e-Registration platform aligns with its strategic objective of leveraging technology to improve market efficiency, enhance ease of doing business and deliver better services to stakeholders.

It added that the digital system would improve the integrity of regulatory processes by reducing delays associated with paper-based documentation and enhancing the quality of regulatory data available for decision-making.

The SEC noted that the platform would also provide a stronger foundation for regulatory analytics and future innovations aimed at improving oversight of the Nigerian capital market.

It said the implementation would be carried out in phases to ensure a smooth transition for market participants while maintaining the stability and integrity of regulatory processes.

The Commission clarified that the current phase covers post-registration services for existing Capital Market Operators, adding that applications for the registration of new entrants into the Nigerian capital market are not included yet.

According to the SEC, the commencement of electronic processing for new registration applications would be announced at a later date.

The Commission urged all Capital Market Operators to familiarise themselves with the new platform and comply with implementation timelines to ensure a seamless transition.

It reaffirmed its commitment to implementing reforms that promote innovation, improve regulatory service delivery, strengthen market infrastructure, enhance transparency and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has secured a legal victory confirming its authority to register data controllers and processors of major importance (DCPMIs).

In a judgment delivered by Justice Friday Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Emmanuel Harunna v. NDPC, the court dismissed a suit seeking to restrain the commission from registering point of sale (POS) agents and key data processors.

In a statement yesterday by the NDPC Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, the court ruled that NDPC’s regulatory oversight strengthens data security and upholds citizens’ constitutional rights to privacy.

It further reaffirmed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, overrides any conflicting laws concerning personal data handling.

Following the ruling, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has ordered all unregistered major data controllers and processors to register forthwith or risk statutory penalties.

According to the court, “the Nigeria Data Protection Act was enacted to promote accountability, transparency and responsible data governance. Registration enables the respondent to identify entities engaged in significant data processing activities and monitor compliance.

“Far from undermining the constitutional right to privacy, the registration framework is one of the statutory mechanisms designed to safeguard that very right by subjecting data controllers and data processors to effective regulatory oversight.”

Among others, it noted that “There is every indication that the Guidance Notice is also aimed at protecting the privacy and security of data subjects, thus bringing the registration requirement of the Guidance Notice within the protective shield of section 45 of the 1999 Constitution.”

Meanwhile, to ensure full compliance with the judgment, the NDPC National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed all DCPMIs that are yet to register with the Commission to do so forthwith or face serious legal liabilities.

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will headline the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum scheduled to hold in Abuja on July 29 and 30, 2026.

The two global economic leaders are expected to feature in a high-level fireside dialogue that will focus on how African economies can navigate growing global uncertainties, sustain reform efforts, deepen regional integration and unlock long-term growth opportunities.

Hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria in partnership with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), the forum will bring together senior policymakers, central bankers, ministers, economists, development partners and private-sector leaders from across Africa and beyond.

The event, which will take place at the CBN Headquarters in Abuja, is themed “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties.”

Organisers said discussions will centre on practical policy responses to an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable global economic landscape.

The forum will also feature keynote addresses from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Udeh, highlighting the role of coordinated fiscal, monetary and innovation policies in driving Africa’s economic transformation.

Other notable participants expected at the gathering include Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics at the World Bank Group; Harinder Kohli, Founding Director and Chief Executive of the Emerging Markets Forum; and Professor Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University.

Over the two-day event, participants will examine issues shaping the future of emerging economies, including macroeconomic stability, regional integration, cross-border payments, financial technology, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer and artificial intelligence.

Deliberations will also focus on food price volatility, inflation management and the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission in fragile and post-crisis economies.

According to the organisers, the forum is designed to encourage open dialogue on strategic economic challenges facing emerging markets while identifying practical and adaptable policy solutions.

They noted that the event reflects the commitment of the Central Bank of Nigeria and its partners to strengthening regional cooperation, promoting evidence-based policymaking and advancing innovative approaches that support sustainable and inclusive economic growth across Africa.