The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all acquirers, processors and Payment Terminal Service Providers (PTSPs) to implement mandatory dual connectivity for Point of Sale (PoS) transactions within one month, in a move aimed at improving transaction reliability and strengthening the country’s payment system.
The directive requires operators to connect simultaneously to both the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Unified Payment Services Limited (UPSL) to ensure seamless PoS transactions and reduce frequent service disruptions.
The apex bank announced the directive in a memo dated December 11, 2025, and signed by the Director of the Payments System Supervision Department, Rakiya Yusuf. According to the CBN, the policy is intended to address persistent PoS downtime caused by reliance on a single transaction switch, which has often resulted in failed transactions and customer dissatisfaction.
The memo warned that failure to comply with the directive within the stipulated timeframe would attract appropriate regulatory sanctions, adding that all stakeholders must take immediate steps to upgrade their systems to meet the new requirement.
The CBN’s directive comes as part of broader reforms in the financial services sector, especially within the fast-growing PoS ecosystem, which has become a major channel for financial inclusion and cashless transactions across the country.
Meanwhile, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has announced plans to commence a nationwide clampdown on unregistered PoS agents effective January 1, 2026. The exercise, according to the commission, is part of renewed efforts to curb money laundering, improve transparency and ensure that all PoS operators comply with existing registration and regulatory requirements.
Industry observers say the combination of mandatory dual connectivity and the planned enforcement against unregistered PoS agents signals a tougher regulatory stance by authorities, aimed at sanitising the sector, protecting consumers and strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.
As the deadline approaches, PoS operators and service providers are expected to intensify compliance efforts to avoid sanctions and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
