The House of Representatives has advanced a bill to create a dedicated regulatory commission for Nigeria’s financial technology sector, in a move that could reshape oversight of digital payments, lending and other fintech services.
The proposed legislation titled ” A Bill For An Act To Provide For The Establishment Of Nigerians Fintech Regulatory Commission In Nigeria And For Related Matters, 2025″ has scaled second reading and is now set for public hearing Monday.
The bill, sponsored by Fuad Laguda was referred to the House Committees on Digital and Electronic Banking; Banking Regulations; Science and Technology; Communications and Committee on Capital Market and Institutions.
According to its ‘Explanatory Memorandum’, the bill seeks to establish a legal framework for the fintech industry. It proposes a commission that will oversee the licensing, regulation, and supervision of fintech services in Nigeria.
According to the bill, the Commission would be mandated to facilitate investments, ensure fair competition, and develop performance standards for fintech services.
The proposed law further prohibits operating fintech services without a proper license and outlines penalties for violations. The Commission will regulate licensing processes, specifying conditions that promote transparency and fairness.
The Commission also have the authority to resolve disputes within the fintech sector effectively.
It is empowered to conduct inquiries, publish findings, and maintain registers of licences and agreements related to fintech operations.
The Commission will also be structured into departments with regional offices in all geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
A Governing Board consisting of 14 members, including a Chairman and commissioners from each geopolitical zone, will manage the Commission.
On the qualifications for members of the Commission’s governing board, the bill proposed that they must have expertise in finance, public administration, or relevant fields.
It added that members must be Nigerian citizens and are barred from holding conflicting interests during their tenure.
The bill further proposed that the Commission would be granted financial authority to establish a fund from various sources, including appropriations by the National Assembly and fees from licensing.
Annual financial reports will also be submitted to the National Assembly for approval.
The minister of finance holds responsibility for formulating and monitoring general policies for the fintech sector but he must consult with the Commission for public input before policy changes.
The National Fintech Management Council is to assist the Minister in international fintech negotiations and data collection. The Council would comprise representatives from various governmental agencies and is tasked with advising on fintech development.
The proposed law further seeks to protect consumer interests and ensuring quality of service in fintech transactions.
It mandates the establishment of consumer codes and addresses complaint resolution processes in alignment with regulatory objectives.
