How to Obtain a SCUML Certificate in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering (SCUML) plays a crucial role in monitoring, supervising, and regulating the activities of Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) to combat money laundering and other financial crimes. 

Obtaining a SCUML certificate is essential for businesses classified as DNFIs to operate legally and maintain bank accounts.

How to Obtain the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) Certificate in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SCUML Certificates in Nigeria, from what they are to how to obtain one.

What is SCUML?

SCUML stands for the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, an agency established under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. 

It operates in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to monitor and regulate the activities of businesses classified as Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs). 

These businesses are seen as potentially vulnerable to money laundering activities due to the nature of their transactions. The SCUML certificate is a legal requirement for DNFIs to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and subsequent amendments.  

Why is a SCUML Certificate Important?

Obtaining a SCUML certificate is essential for several reasons:

1. Legal Compliance: Businesses classified as DNFIs are mandated by law to obtain the SCUML certificate to operate legally in Nigeria. 
   Without it, such businesses may face sanctions, fines, or even closure.
2. Banking Requirements: Banks in Nigeria are legally required to demand a SCUML certificate from DNFIs when opening new accounts. 
   Failure to provide this certificate can result in difficulties in accessing banking services or transacting with financial institutions.
3. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: The certificate is a part of broader anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, ensuring that businesses do not unwittingly facilitate the laundering of money or financing of terrorism.
4. Transparency and Credibility: Possession of a SCUML certificate boosts the credibility of a business, indicating that it operates in compliance with financial laws and is transparent in its transactions.

Who Needs a SCUML Certificate?

• Are not typically regulated by financial institutions
• Engage in significant financial transactions

Examples of DNFIs that need a SCUML Certificate:

1. Jewellery
   
2. Cars and luxurious goods dealers
   
3. Precious stones and metals dealers
   
4. Real Estate agents
   
5. Estate Developers
   
6. Estate Surveyors and Valuers
   
7. Estate Agents
   
8. Chartered Accountants
   
9. Audit Firms
   
10. Tax Consultants
    
11. Clearing and Settlement Companies
    
12. Hotels
    
13. Casinos
    
14. Supermarkets
    
15. Dealers in mechanised farming equipment and machineries
    
16. Practitioners of Mechanised Farming
    
17. Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
    

Steps to Obtain a SCUML Certificate in Nigeria

The process of obtaining a SCUML certificate involves several steps, ranging from registration to document submission and physical verification. 

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before starting the application process, ensure you have the following documents:

Business Name

• Certificate of Incorporation,
• BN FORM 01, (Proprietor’s Particulars)
• Evidence of tax registration (TIN letter) and
• Professional certificate where applicable.
• BVN, Bank Name, and Account Number

Companies

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Memorandum and Articles of Association
• Form CAC 1.1 (CAC 2 and CAC 7 FOR OLD REGISTRATION)
• Evidence of tax registration (Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• BVN, Bank Name, and Account Number

Trust/NGO

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
• Incorporation of Trustees or CAC7 and CAC 2
• Identification of Trustees with a valid means of identification
• Constitution/Memorandum & Articles of Association
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Tax Exemption
• Particulars of Settlors
• Particulars of Protector (if any)
• Copy of Cooperation Agreement (For international NGOs)
• Trust Deed Agreement
• BVN, Bank Name, and Account Number

Religious Organisation

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
• Incorporation of Trustees
• Identification of Trustees with a valid means of identification
• Constitution

Association /Clubs/Societies

• Certificate of Incorporation/Registration
• Copy of Constitution/Bye-Laws etc
• Particulars of the trustees
• Reliable means of Identification of at least two of the trustees
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Tax Exemption
• BVN, Bank Name, and Account Number

Step 2: Complete the SCUML Registration Form

1. Visit the SCUML website (https://dnfibp.efcc.gov.ng/)
2. Click on "Register" to create an account
3. Fill in the required details accurately
4. Upload all required documents

Step 3: Physical Verification and Inspection

Once the online registration is complete, SCUML may arrange a physical verification of your business premises. This is to confirm that your business operations align with the information provided during registration. Inspectors from SCUML will visit your office, assess its legitimacy, and ensure that your business is indeed eligible for a SCUML certificate.

Step 4: Issuance of SCUML Certificate

If your registration and verification are successful, SCUML will issue your certificate. You will receive a notification via email, and the certificate can be downloaded from the SCUML portal. It is important to keep this document safe, as you will need it for compliance checks, audits, and when dealing with financial institutions.  

For more information, please visit the official SCUML website.

Cost and Timeframe for Obtaining a SCUML Certificate

The SCUML registration process is free of charge. However, the timeframe for receiving your certificate can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your documentation and the availability of SCUML inspectors for physical verification. 

Typically, businesses should expect the process to take between 2 to 4 weeks from the date of registration, provided there are no issues or delays.

SCUML Regional Offices and Support

SCUML operates a head office in Abuja and multiple regional offices in Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Port Harcourt, Gombe, Ibadan, Kaduna, Maiduguri, and Uyo. 

These offices provide support and assistance for the registration process.

Conclusion: Ensuring Compliance with SCUML Requirements