CAC to Begin Nationwide Crackdown on Unregistered PoS Operators by January 2026

CAC to Begin Nationwide Crackdown on Unregistered PoS Operators by January 2026

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a firm warning to Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators across Nigeria, announcing that it will soon commence a nationwide enforcement action against businesses that have failed to complete their mandatory CAC registration.

In a statement released on its official Instagram page on Saturday, the Commission said it has observed an alarming increase in unregistered PoS service providers, despite ongoing sensitisation efforts.

The CAC recalled that it had earlier signalled plans for a regulatory crackdown in 2024 — a proposal that sparked opposition from many PoS agents and operators.

According to the Commission, the rising number of unregistered PoS businesses violates both the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Agent Banking Regulations.

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The agency also criticised some fintech companies, accusing them of onboarding PoS agents without proper registration, a practice the CAC described as irresponsible and dangerous to the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system. It warned that such actions expose millions of Nigerians — including small businesses and rural communities — to significant financial risks, fraud, and investment vulnerabilities.

The Commission reiterated that effective 1 January 2026, all PoS operators must complete their CAC registration or risk being forced out of business.

According to the statement:

“Effective 1 January 2026, no PoS operator will be allowed to operate without CAC registration. Security agencies will enforce nationwide compliance. Unregistered PoS terminals will be seized or shut down. Fintechs enabling illegal operations will be watch-listed and reported to the CBN. All operators are advised to regularise immediately. Compliance is mandatory.”

The CAC stressed that the enforcement exercise will be carried out in collaboration with security agencies to ensure full compliance across the country.

CAC to Begin Nationwide Crackdown on Unregistered PoS Operators by January 2026