Updates

What You Should Know About CBN New Rules

On 7 April 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the coming into effect of new rules on the Bank Verification Number (BVN) system from 1st May 2026. The new rules have been implemented to fight against fraud, enhance identity management and secure Nigeria’s growing digital banking space, resulting in new methods for account holders to manage and access information linked to their BVN.
The new policy came in the wake of numerous security concerns surrounding SIM swap fraud, identity theft and access to financial accounts without authorisation. With over 68.59 million users enrolled in the BVN system in 2026, the system plays a pivotal role in the security of the Nigerian financial sector.

NIPC, CAMA and Foreign Entry in Nigeria – The 2026 Compliance Checklist

There is no loan facility stronger than the security that underlies it. Any bank that doesn’t properly secure its assets is not a secured creditor. And a borrower that does not understand its perfection obligations might find that its representations to its lender were false. These are five security perfection mistakes we see often and every party involved in a Nigerian credit transaction needs to know about them.

Highlight of the Key Provisions of Executive Order No. 9

On 13 February 2026, the Nigerian President signed the Presidential Executive Order to Safeguard Federation Oil and Gas Revenues and Provide Regulatory Clarity, 2026 (“Executive Order No. 9 of 2026”), aimed at preventing revenue losses and unconstitutional deductions to ensure more funds are available for the federal, state, and local governments. The Executive Order restores the constitutional revenue entitlements that were altered by the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

A Review of the NRS February 2026 Notice

On 3 February 2026, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) issued an official notice clarifying the implementation and effective dates of the newly enacted tax laws, following public questions and debate regarding how and when the reforms would take effect. The notice provided guidance on the practical application of the 2025 Tax Reform Laws and reaffirmed the statutory commencement dates. For businesses and individuals, the clarification effectively signals the conclusion of the transition phase and it confirms that full compliance under the new tax regime is now expected.

The 2025 CBN Fintech Report: Shaping the Future of Fintech in Nigeria

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released its inaugural fintech assessment report, detailing the strategic trajectory of the nation’s digital financial ecosystem. The data highlights a significant expansion in transaction infrastructure, with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) processing approximately 11 billion transactions in 2024. This figure represents a 100% increase in volume compared to 2022, cementing Nigeria’s position as a global leader in real-time payments.

Expansion of Indirect Share Transfer Taxation in Nigeria

The Nigerian tax landscape has expanded to include stricter enforcement on offshore disposals of Nigerian assets.

The Transition to Cloud-Broadcasting and Local Infrastructure Mandates

The Nigerian broadcasting industry is currently navigating the “Cloud Broadcasting Summit Africa 2026” milestone, which focuses on the transition from hardware-heavy production to cloud-based content creation and archival.

The Rise of Environmental Sustainability in IP Policy

Environmental sustainability has increasingly become a pivotal influence on intellectual property (IP) policy across the globe. This shift is largely driven by initiatives like the WIPO GREEN platform, which facilitates connections between providers of green technologies and those seeking sustainable solutions. In Nigeria, this global movement has been embodied through the IP for Green Innovation Program.

Governance and Liability in AI-Driven Financial Services

Global regulatory bodies are increasingly focusing on the “agentic AI” era, where autonomous systems
handle credit decisioning, fraud detection, and transaction reconciliation without real-time human intervention.

Digital Assets and the VASP Regulatory Regime.

The regulatory landscape for digital assets has evolved beyond its initial uncertainty with the
implementation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Digital Assets Rules.