The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) plays a key role in regulating and monitoring Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) in Nigeria. If your business operates in a cash-intensive sector, registering with SCUML isn’t just advisable—it’s a legal requirement.
SCUML operates under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and was created by the Federal Government in September 2005. Its main purpose is to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism across certain industries that are particularly vulnerable due to their high cash flow.
What is SCUML and Why Does It Matter?
SCUML monitors and regulates DNFIs to reduce financial crime risks. It oversees business registration, risk-based inspections, report filing (including currency transaction reports and suspicious transaction reports), and workforce training.
In practical terms, having a SCUML certificate is often required to open or maintain a corporate bank account in Nigeria. The certificate proves that your business complies with Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework.
Who Needs to Register With SCUML?
Registration is mandatory for businesses in sectors considered high-risk for money laundering. These include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Real estate companies and estate developers
- Casinos and betting platforms
- Construction firms
- Luxury goods dealers
- Chartered accountants, auditors, and tax consultants
- Clearing and settlement companies
- Hotels, supermarkets, and businesses in the hospitality industry
- Consulting firms
- Auto dealers and importers
- Agricultural equipment dealers and mechanized farmers
- Jewelry and precious metals traders
- Brokers and agents
- Mortgage brokers
- Estate valuers
- NGOs and NPOs
Note: Although legal practitioners are listed under the law, the Nigerian Bar Association has obtained a court ruling exempting them.
SCUML Registration Portal and Form Access
How to Start the Registration Process
SCUML registration is entirely online and free of charge. You can start the process through the official SCUML portal.
Portal Link: https://portal1.scuml.net/mhatabz.php
Steps to Register on the SCUML Website
- Visit scuml.org
- Click on “Online Registration”
- Complete the registration form with the required details
- Upload all necessary supporting documents in one PDF file (max 2MB)
- Submit the form
After submission, SCUML will send a confirmation email. Once approved, a certificate is issued. Only a company director can collect the hard copy at the nearest SCUML office. A digital copy is also sent via email.
Required Information for SCUML Registration
Here’s a list of the key information you’ll need when filling out the form:
- Business name and incorporation details
- RC or BN number (from CAC)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- BVN and corporate account details
- Business description
- Physical office address(es)
- Director’s name and details
- Contact person within management
- Preferred SCUML office for certificate pickup
- Valid email and password for login credentials
Documents Required for SCUML Registration
For Registered Companies
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Form CAC 1.1 (or BN Form 01 for business names)
- MEMART (Memorandum and Articles of Association)
- Evidence of tax registration (TIN)
- Professional certification (where applicable)
For NGOs and NPOs
- Certificate of Incorporation or CAC7 (Incorporated Trustees)
- Constitution or MEMART
- Evidence of tax registration or exemption
- Valid ID for at least three executive directors
For State-Level NGOs
- Certificate from the state of operation
- Constitution
- Audited financial report (if available)
- TIN or tax exemption certificate
For International NGOs
- Agreement with the National Planning Commission
- NGO Constitution and organizational profile
- TIN or tax exemption proof
How to Download the SCUML Registration Form
While the form is filled online, you can still download and print it after completion. This is optional, especially for those who prefer to sign physically rather than digitally.
- Go to the SCUML registration page
- Complete the online form
- After submission, download and print the form if needed
Checking SCUML Registration Status
You can verify your registration status by:
- Visiting the SCUML portal
- Entering your registration number
- Clicking on the “CHECK STATUS” button
If approved, the status will show as “ACTIVE.” If it’s still being processed, it will read “PENDING.”
SCUML Certificate Pickup Locations
Once registration is complete, certificates can be collected from any of the following SCUML offices in Nigeria:
- Lagos: 15 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi
- Abuja: 5 Fomella Street, Wuse II
- Port Harcourt: 8 Bank Road, Off Moscow Road
- Kano: GP 360 Bida Road, Civic Center
- Gombe: 4 EFCC Street, New G.R.A
- Enugu: Plot 106 Federal Government College Road, Independent Layout
- Benin City: 2 Court Road, GRA, Oka
- Ibadan: 16 Rev Oyebode Crescent, Iyaganku G.R.A
- Maiduguri: Plot 80 Baba Shehu Lamin Street, Tudun Wada
- Kaduna: 4 Wurno Road, Badarawa
- Uyo: 3 Akparawa Crescent, Ewet Housing Estate
How to Download the SCUML Registration Guideline
For further help, SCUML provides a comprehensive guideline document.
To access it:
- Visit scuml.org
- Click on the “Registration Guideline” tab
- Or go directly to https://www.scuml.org/registration-guidline/
- Download the PDF document for detailed instructions
Final Notes
SCUML registration is a legal and compliance requirement for many businesses in Nigeria. It helps ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in sectors prone to financial crime. Registering is free, online, and faster than ever—typically taking two to three weeks. A valid SCUML certificate also supports banking operations and boosts your organization’s credibility.
Article updated 6 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
