What Is SCUML?

SCUML (Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering) is a regulatory body under the EFCC responsible for monitoring, registering, and supervising Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) in Nigeria.
If your business falls under DNFI categories—such as real estate, NGOs, dealers in luxury goods, consultants, and more—SCUML registration and certification is mandatory before you can operate legally.

The SCUML certificate is also required to:

  • Open or maintain a corporate bank account

  • Access grants, partnerships, and compliance approvals

  • Bid for government or private contracts

  • Meet anti–money laundering (AML) regulations

We help businesses complete SCUML registration quickly and correctly, without delays.

Who Needs SCUML Registration? (DNFI Categories)

You must register with SCUML if your business operates in any of these sectors:

✔ Real Estate & Property

  • Estate agents

  • Property developers

  • Facility managers

✔ NGOs / Non-Profits

  • Foundations

  • Associations

  • Religious organisations

  • Charities

✔ Consultants & Professionals

  • Tax consultants

  • Travel agents

  • Management consultants

  • Legal consultants (non-lawyers)

✔ Dealers in High-Value Goods

  • Jewellers

  • Luxury goods sellers

  • Car dealers

  • Art/antique merchants

  • Electronics dealers

✔ Finance & Service Businesses

  • Clearing & forwarding agents

  • Audit firms

  • Accounting/bookkeeping services

  • Trust & company service providers

If you’re unsure whether your business needs SCUML, we can assess and advise you.

Documents Required for SCUML Registration

For Business Name (BN)

  • BN registration certificate

  • CAC status report

  • Valid ID of proprietor(s)

  • Utility bill for business address

  • Business description

For Limited Company (LTD)

  • CAC Certificate of Incorporation

  • Status report or CAC Form 1.1

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA)

  • Valid ID for directors

  • Utility bill for company address

  • Tax Identification Number (TIN)

  • Nature of services and business structure

For NGOs / Incorporated Trustees

  • Certificate of Incorporation (CAC/IT)

  • Constitution

  • Trustees’ ID cards

  • Board resolution authorising SCUML registration

  • NGO operational report or activity plan

  • Utility bill for office address

We help prepare any missing documents and ensure they meet SCUML standards.

SCUML Registration Process (Step-By-Step)

  1. Document review & confirmation

  2. SCUML portal registration (EFCC platform)

  3. Submission of required documents

  4. Business activity assessment

  5. AML/CFT compliance checks

  6. Approval & issuance of SCUML certificate

Processing time depends on accuracy of documents—usually 7–14 business days.

Why SCUML Registration Is Important

  • ✔ Mandatory for opening corporate bank accounts

  • ✔ Legal compliance under Nigeria’s AML/CFT laws

  • ✔ Required for NGO grant funding

  • ✔ Required for contractors and consultants

  • ✔ Prevents EFCC sanctions or account restrictions

  • ✔ Boosts credibility and transparency

Our SCUML Registration Service Covers:

  • Full preparation and submission of documents

  • Drafting resolutions (for NGOs and companies)

  • AML/CFT compliance guidance

  • Follow-up until certificate is issued

  • Renewal, update, or correction of SCUML certificate

  • Advisory for high-risk DNFI categories

We ensure fast approval and zero regulatory issues.

How Long Does SCUML Take?

  • Standard processing: 5–14 working days

  • When documents need correction: 2–4 weeks

  • Urgent assistance: available (depends on accuracy of documents)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is SCUML compulsory?

Yes. Any business classified as a DNFI must register with SCUML to avoid non-compliance issues.

2. Is SCUML required to open a business account?

Yes—banks often request SCUML certificate before activating DNFI corporate accounts.

3. Can SCUML be done online?

Yes, but many applications get delayed due to errors. We help you file correctly.

4. Does my business need physical office verification?

Sometimes. SCUML may conduct checks for certain industries.

5. Does an NGO need SCUML before applying for grants?

Yes. Many grant organisations require SCUML for compliance.

Register for SCUML Without Stress

We help:

  • Business Names

  • Limited Companies

  • NGOs / Incorporated Trustees

Get your SCUML certificate fast—correctly and compliantly.

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