CAC Cracks Down: Illegal PoS Operators Nationwide to Face Shutdown from January 1, 2026
The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced a sweeping Nationwide directive requiring all Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators to be formally registered, warning that unregistered outlets will be shut down beginning January 1, 2026.
The Commission described the growing number of unregistered PoS terminals as a “reckless practice” that violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agent Banking Regulations.
In its statement, CAC emphasized that all Security Agencies have been mandated to enforce full compliance across the Country. Unregistered PoS terminals will be seized or closed, while Fintech companies found facilitating illegal operations will be placed on a watchlist and reported to the CBN.
The Commission further urged all existing PoS operators to regularize their operations immediately, stressing that failure to comply is not optional but a legal requirement.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the impact of unregistered PoS operators on the financial system. Officials argue that illegal PoS Operations compromise consumer trust, expose investors to unnecessary risks, and undermine efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s cashless economy.
Analysts suggest that while the crackdown will ensure greater regulatory compliance and financial security, it may also temporarily disrupt operations for small-scale agents, particularly in rural communities where access to formal registration services may be limited.
Experts note that the CAC’s directive is part of a broader effort to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and ensure that all payment channels operate within the law.
The Commission has made it clear that non-compliant operators will not be tolerated, signaling the most aggressive enforcement effort against unregistered PoS agents to date.
With just weeks remaining before the January 1 deadline, industry stakeholders are being urged to act swiftly to regularize their businesses to avoid penalties.
The CAC has reiterated that its primary objective is to protect financial consumers, safeguard transactions, and promote transparency within Nigeria’s Fintech sector.
