BREAKING: SEC orders capital market operators to sign up for NigSac alerts, freeze terrorists-linked funds

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has mandated all capital market-regulated entities (CMREs) to subscribe to Nigeria’s Sanctions (NigSac) Alerts system and freeze funds linked to terrorism. This directive follows designations by local and international authorities against individuals and Bureau de Change operators accused of aiding terrorism and financing the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The SEC's circular, issued in response to FATF statements on high-risk jurisdictions, signals a heightened anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime in Nigeria. Non-compliance could result in fines, suspension of operations, or revocation of registration. The directive requires CMREs to terminate banking relationships with high-risk jurisdictions and entities, and for institutional investors to perform enhanced due diligence on counterparty relationships, especially those flowing through informal financial networks or FATF-monitored jurisdictions.

The NigSac Alerts system ensures timely access to terrorist financing and proliferation financing designations, supporting non-negotiable Targeted Financial Sanctions measures for market operators.