WorldStage Newsonline– The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to Vanguard Newspaper’s editorial “EFCC’s SCUML Certification Conundrum” published on July 29, 2025 which highlighted the challenges businesses and non-profit organizations are facing when applying for the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) certificate from EFCC.
The Vanguard’s editorial “EFCC’s SCUML Certification Conundrum” published on July 29, 2025, had highlighted the challenges businesses and non-profit organizations face when applying for the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) certificate from EFCC, saying the inefficient process was hindering entrepreneurship and the non-profit sector.
The key points raised in the editorial include that SCUML portal has several technical issues such as no clear instructions, lack of guidance on document size, format, and number of uploads; Single-file upload limitation- despite requiring up to 10 documents, the portal only allows single-file uploads, forcing applicants to merge files manually.
The the editorial also pointed out vague error messages- generic error messages like “illegible documents” or “file too large” without specific feedback; EFCC’s customer support is inadequate, with non-functional phone lines, listed phone numbers are often not working, requiring applicants to visit EFCC offices in person; Inconsistent advice with applicants receiving conflicting information from EFCC officials.
The editorial reflected on impact on businesses, saying the inefficient process hinders entrepreneurship and the non-profit sector, wasting time and resources, and preventing applicants from opening bank accounts.
It also called for reform by EFCC saying, it should reform the SCUML certification process, making it more responsive, responsible, and service-oriented.
It suggested the redesigning the portal by providing clear guidance on file format, size, and number, and enabling multiple document uploads; improving customer support by establishing reliable hotlines and email services staffed by knowledgeable personnel while user feedback loop should be added by creating a mechanism for applicants to provide feedback and identify issues before wider rollout.
However, the EFCC in its rebuttal said the editorial contained glaring inaccuracies and unverified issues raised about the workings of the SCUML.
In a statement by the Commission made available to the media by Mr. Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s Head of Media and publicity, said against the backdrop of the editorial, it’s helpful that salient facts about the Unit are laid bare to the public.
According to the statement, EFCC is sensitive to the significance of SCUML’s responsibilities and services to the nation, and therefore, the portal for online registration for SCUML’s certificate is accessible, functional and effective.
The Commission further stated that available statistics indicated that the traffic of applications for the Unit’s certificate across the country averaged 600 applications daily and that regular reviews and updates were made on the portal to ensure the processes are as seamless as possible.
The statement read: “application process is simple with clear instructions on critical requirements, especially as it relates to the size or format of documents. The portal also does not limit uploads to a single file.
“It is equally noteworthy that registration for certificates has been simplified for applicants with their complete documents. The turnaround time for the issuance of certificates to successful applicants has been cut to between two to three days.
“This fact was perhaps instrumental in SCUML’s recent endorsement by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which in its July 2025 ranking, rated it 3rd among all Nigerian public service entities. It also adjudged it as one of the leading public service delivery entities following the vision of the PEBEC to make businesses in Nigeria easier, more transparent and less bureaucratic.
“Contrary to the inference in paper’s editorial, claims of “vague messages,” “illegible documents” appearing on the registration portal are digital responses to errors committed by applicants who failed to adhere to instructions outlined on the portal and initiated registration in defiance of established protocols.
“The Unit sadly discovered that many applicants apply with non-functional emails, incomplete information, or conflicting data, thereby rendering their application unsuccessful.
“The Unit has been working to address this challenge, which is partly attributable to poor digital literacy among the applicants, with various sensitization programmes in the media and enlightenment workshops for stakeholders across the country.
“The helplines of the Unit are also available for those who encounter difficulties in making the online application.
“Continuous process improvement and excellent service delivery are a core value of SCUML. Over the years, it has consistently worked to improve customers’ experience through innovation. In the next few weeks, the Unit plans to introduce digital animation in the three major Nigerian languages- Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, with a step-by-step guide on how to submit the online application.
“The Unit is also reviving its radio and television jingles for deeper penetration of the grassroots. These features, it is hoped, will erase the challenges still being experienced by some applicants.”
The Commission acknowledged that while it’s within the right of every Nigerian to demand effective service from any government agency, such an agitation should be premised on genuine claims and tenable reservations.
“The EFCC is globally respected for its professionalism and commitment to excellence. SCUML is offering top-of-the- range services and will continue to improve on its processes in the overall interests of Nigerians,” it stated.
