What is SCUML? How to Apply for SCUML Certificate; FAQs

The acronym, SCUML, is an abbreviation for Special Control Unit against Money Laundering. It is a unit under the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Following obvious technical backend improvements in SCUML, the SCUML registration process now takes less than a month.

According to Section 25 of the ML (P) Act, the SCUML certificate is a required document for all designated non-financial institutions (DNFIs) only. DNFIs are companies, mostly cash intensive, that are presumed to be potentially exposed to huge fraud/money laundering acts due to the business type.

How to Apply for a SCUML Certificate

Registering for a SCUML certificate is both very straightforward and easy. Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to process a SCUML certificate.

1. Go to the SCUML website
2. Click “Register Online”
3. Complete the online registration form
4. Attach the required documents (outlined below)
5. Submit

*The applicant immediately gets an email prompt notifying the applicant about the registration.

After approval, a certificate is issued and ONLY THE DIRECTOR(S) of the company can go to the pre-chosen SCUML office for collection of the certificate. A soft copy will also be sent to the applicant’s email, and it looks like this:

Documents required for SCUML Registration

• Certificate of Incorporation
• BN FORM 01 (for Business Name)
• FORM CAC 1.1 (for Limited Liability Companies) 
• Memorandum And Articles Of Association (MEMART)
• Evidence of tax Registration.
• Professional certificates (for professional companies).

Documents required for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS)/Non Profit Organizations (NPOs)

• Certificate of incorporation
• Incorporation of Trustees or CAC7
• Constitution or MEMART
• Evidence of tax registration (TIN Number/Tax exemption)

Documents required for State Registration

• Certificate of registration from the State where-in it operates
• Constitution
• Audited financial report (if available)
• Valid means of identification (not less than three executives directors).
• Evidence of tax Registration (TIN Number/tax exemption)

Documents required for International NGOs/NPOs

• Evidence of agreement with the National Planning Committee(NPC)
• Constitution of the NGO
• Profile of the NGO
• Evidence of tax Registration (TIN Number/tax exemption)

***In short, just upload every page of your CAC incorporation documents to avoid delays or rejection.

FAQs on Registration with SCUML

What is the cost of registering SCUML?

Registration is done on the SCUML website FREE OF CHARGE.

How long does it take to complete the SCUML registration process?

2-3 weeks.

Does my company require SCUML?

SCUML officially have 14 defined DNFI entities who are required to apply for the SCUML, they include:

Businesses that require SCUM certificates are dealers in:

1. Jewelry
2. Cars and Luxury Goods
3. Precious Stones and Metals
4. Real Estate, Estate Developers
5. Estate Surveyors and Valuers
6. Estate Agents
7. Chartered Accountants
8. Audit Firms
9. Tax Consultants
10. Clearing and Settlement Companies
11. Hotels, Casinos, Supermarkets
12. Mechanized Farming Equipment and Machineries
13. Practitioners of Mechanized Farming
14. Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or such other businesses as the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment or appropriate regulatory authorities may from time to time designate.

Where are SCUML offices located nationwide?

Below are the live locations and contact details of SCUML Offices nationwide: