📌 Quick answer: A SCUML certificate shows that your business is registered with the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, a unit of the EFCC. Businesses and professions listed in section 30 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, known as designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), and at-risk non-profit organisations must register. Registration is free and done only through SCUML’s official website. Companies need their certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, CAC status report and TIN, merged into one PDF of no more than 2.5MB. After registration, you must keep records, know your customers and file reports such as cash transaction reports.
Many Nigerian business owners first hear of SCUML when a bank or payment company asks for the certificate before opening or upgrading a business account. Others discover it when they bid for contracts or deal in high-value goods. It is a compliance step that costs nothing if you do it yourself, yet many people pay agents for it.
This guide explains who needs SCUML registration, the exact documents SCUML asks for, how to apply, and the obligations that come with the certificate, based on SCUML’s official guidance.
What Is SCUML?
The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering supervises businesses and professions outside the banking sector that could be used to launder money or finance terrorism. SCUML says the law requiring registration is the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and that section 30 of the Act sets out the businesses and professions that must register.
Who Needs to Register?
SCUML’s registration guidance lists extra requirements for these types of businesses, which gives a clear picture of who is covered:
| Business or profession | Extra document SCUML asks for |
|---|---|
| Car dealers | Registration with the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON) |
| Hotels and hospitality | Registration with a hotel owners’ association or the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation |
| Audit, accounting and tax consultancy firms | ICAN, ANAN or ACCA certificates (and CITN for tax consultants) |
| Estate surveyors and valuers | NIESV or NIQS certificate |
| Consulting firms | Relevant professional certificate |
| Clearing and forwarding companies | CRFFN registration |
| Dealers in precious metals and stones | Mining licence or permit, a certified geologist’s licence, and NEPC or NIPC papers |
| Law firms | Call to bar or practising certificates |
| At-risk non-profit organisations | Incorporation of trustees and constitution |
If your business is one of these, or deals in high-value goods or large cash sums, check section 30 of the Act or ask SCUML whether you must register.
Documents You Need
Limited liability companies (and companies limited by guarantee)
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Status report or its equivalent (CAC 1.1, or CAC 7 and CAC 2)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) printout
Business names (sole proprietors and partnerships)
- Certificate of Registration of Business Name
- Status report (Form BN-01)
- TIN printout
Non-profit organisations
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Incorporation of trustees
- Constitution
- TIN or tax exemption printout
- For international NGOs: a copy of the cooperation agreement
Add any sector document from the table above. SCUML requires all documents to be merged and compressed into a single PDF file of no more than 2.5MB (2,500KB).
How to Apply
- Read SCUML’s registration guideline on its official website first. The portal asks you to confirm you have done so.
- Get your CAC documents and TIN ready. If you do not have a TIN yet, see our guide to TIN registration.
- Scan and merge everything into one PDF under 2.5MB. Free PDF tools on your phone or computer can merge and compress files.
- Register on SCUML’s official website (www.scuml.org). SCUML says registration can only be completed there.
- Use your own working email and phone number. SCUML holds the business and its directors personally accountable for invalid contact details supplied by a third party.
- Submit, then watch your email for queries or your certificate.
It is free: avoid agents
SCUML states that its certificates “are Issued Free of Charge” and that it has not authorised anyone to register businesses on its behalf. Using a third party is at your own risk. If anyone asks you to pay for a SCUML certificate, decline.
What You Must Do After Registration
A SCUML certificate is not the end of the process. SCUML’s guidance says registered businesses must:
- Appoint a compliance officer and train staff. In a one-person business, the owner nominates themselves.
- Know your customer: verify customers’ identities, identify beneficial owners when someone acts for another person, and classify customers by risk.
- Keep proper records and maintain internal audit.
- Subscribe to the goAML platform used for reporting.
- File statutory reports:
| Report | When it is required |
|---|---|
| Cash Transaction Report (CTR) | Transactions above ₦10 million for corporate bodies and ₦5 million for individuals |
| Cash-Based Transaction Report (CBTR) | Cash transactions above US$1,000 or its naira equivalent |
| Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) | Any amount; filed only to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) |
| Politically Exposed Person (PEP) report | All transactions involving a politically exposed person |
What Happens If You Do Not Comply?
SCUML sanctions businesses for notable infractions and non-compliance with anti-money-laundering rules. Failing to file suspicious transaction reports can lead to legal action, fines and reputational damage. Late payment of fines attracts more fines, and SCUML says it seals the premises of businesses that fail to pay sanctions. In practice, not having the certificate can also hold up bank accounts, payment gateways and contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I register for SCUML?
Only on SCUML’s official website, www.scuml.org. SCUML says registration can only be completed there and that it has not authorised anyone to register businesses on its behalf.
Why is my bank asking for a SCUML certificate?
Banks and payment companies often ask businesses covered by section 30 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 for the certificate before opening or upgrading a business account.
Do I need a TIN before applying?
Yes. A TIN printout (or a tax exemption printout for non-profits) is part of the required documents for every type of business.
How much does SCUML registration cost?
Nothing. SCUML says its certificates are issued free of charge.
Who needs a SCUML certificate?
Businesses and professions listed in section 30 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, such as car dealers, hotels, real estate and estate surveyors, accountants, lawyers, dealers in precious metals and at-risk NGOs.
Can a business name register with SCUML?
Yes. A business name needs its certificate of registration, Form BN-01 status report and TIN.
What is the file size limit for SCUML documents?
All documents must be merged into one PDF of no more than 2.5MB.
What reports must a SCUML-registered business file?
Cash transaction reports above ₦10 million (companies) or ₦5 million (individuals), cash-based transaction reports above US$1,000, suspicious transaction reports of any amount, and reports on transactions with politically exposed persons.
Sources
- Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (EFCC) – “Requirements for SCUML Registration”, scuml.efcc.gov.ng, checked 8 November 2026
- Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (EFCC) – About SCUML and frequently asked questions, scuml.efcc.gov.ng
- Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 – section 30 (designated non-financial businesses and professions)
Last updated: 8 November 2026 · NaijaSabi Business Desk. This is general information, not legal advice.
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