By Fresh Facts Reporter
While several government agencies in Nigeria are embracing digital transformation to improve public service delivery, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appears to be lagging behind in its handling of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) certification process—an essential requirement for businesses and non-profit organisations (NPOs) to operate bank accounts legally.
In contrast, recent innovations by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have drawn commendation for their efficiency and responsiveness. The CAC’s AI-powered registration portal now allows instant name reservations and faster business registration, mimicking the ease of setting up an email account. Despite teething technical glitches and occasional service complaints, the Commission has remained transparent, urging users to remain patient while improvements are underway. Likewise, the Ministry of Interior’s online passport application system has streamlined access to vital identity documents, demonstrating the government’s potential for effective digital governance.
However, this wave of reform appears to have bypassed the EFCC’s SCUML certification platform. Applicants seeking the mandatory certification face a tedious and frustrating process that undermines Nigeria’s broader goals of promoting ease of doing business and improving regulatory compliance.
A Portal Plagued by Technical Flaws
Applicants report a wide range of issues on the SCUML portal, starting with the lack of clear, comprehensive instructions. Critical information regarding document size, format, and the number of required uploads is missing. Even though up to ten different documents may be requested, the portal only allows one file to be uploaded—forcing users to independently learn how to merge and compress files. These technical requirements are neither explained nor supported by tools within the platform.
Further compounding the challenge are vague and unhelpful error messages. Common responses such as “file too large” or “illegible document” offer no specific guidance, even after applicants have complied with file compression standards. Many users report multiple rejections without a clear understanding of what to fix.
Inaccessible Customer Support
Customer service, which could otherwise help bridge the gap, is virtually non-existent. The telephone lines listed on the portal are frequently unreachable, and emails often go unanswered. Frustrated applicants are left with little option but to physically visit EFCC offices. But even in-person interactions yield inconsistent information, with different staff members offering contradictory advice.
This broken process not only wastes time and resources but directly impacts entrepreneurs and NPOs who are legally required to present SCUML certificates before opening operational bank accounts. For many, this bureaucratic bottleneck stands in the way of doing business or executing charitable work legally in Nigeria.
Calls for Urgent Reform
Stakeholders are now calling for urgent and comprehensive reform of the SCUML certification process. Experts suggest that the portal be redesigned to include clear guidance on document specifications. The ability to upload multiple documents individually should be enabled, thereby removing the burden of manual file merging. A built-in file compression tool could also simplify the experience for users.
Error messages should be updated to offer actionable and specific instructions. Additionally, the EFCC must improve its customer support infrastructure by introducing functional hotlines and responsive email services managed by trained personnel who can provide real-time assistance.
Equally important is the establishment of a genuine user feedback loop. Applicants should be actively involved in testing and refining the portal before it is deployed at scale. At present, there is little evidence that the current feedback system on the site is being used meaningfully.
A Barrier to Progress
As other government agencies modernise their platforms in line with global digital standards, the EFCC must not be left behind. A smooth, transparent, and user-friendly SCUML certification process is not merely a matter of convenience—it is essential to Nigeria’s broader economic development goals and its fight against financial crimes.
If the country is to truly foster a business-friendly environment and remain compliant with anti-money laundering standards, the SCUML process must be fixed—urgently. The EFCC must demonstrate responsiveness, accountability, and a genuine commitment to service delivery. Anything less will continue to stifle entrepreneurship, frustrate civil society, and damage public confidence in regulatory institutions.
