Regulatory Alerts2025-12-11 | PSS/DIR/PUB/CIR/001/002Mandatory Dual Connectivity to the Payment Terminal Service Aggregators
The Central Bank of Nigeria mandates that all Acquirers, Processors, and Payment Terminal Service Providers establish active dual connectivity with both the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Unified Payment Services Limited (UPSL) for all Point-of-Sale (PoS) transactions, including automatic failover capabilities. NIBSS and UPSL are required to conduct periodic system resilience tests and notify relevant parties in real-time or within 24 hours of any system downtime. Regulated Financial Institutions must comply with this new directive within one month from the circular's date to enhance system redundancy and stability.
Central Bank of Nigeria
Payments System Supervision Department Plot 33, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Way Central Business District P.M.B 0187 Garki, Abuja-Nigeria. E-mail: pssd@cbn.gov.ng Website: www.cbn.gov.ng Phone: +234 700 225 5226, +234 800 225 5226
PSS/DIR/PUB/CIR/001/002 December 11, 2025
CIRCULAR TO:
All Acquirers, Processors, Payment Terminal Service Aggregators and Payment Terminal Service Providers
MANDATORY DUAL CONNECTIVITY TO THE PAYMENT TERMINAL SERVICE AGGREGATORS
In furtherance to enhancement of the Central Bank of Nigeria circular with reference number CBN/PSM/DIR/CON/CWO/051/117 dated September 11, 2024, intended to address concerns associated with routing all Point-of-Sale (PoS) transactions through a single aggregator, you are required to comply with the following:
i. Mandatory Dual Connectivity – All Acquirers, Processors, and Payment Terminal Service Providers (PTSPs) shall establish and maintain active connectivity with both licensed Payments Terminal Service Aggregators (PTSAs), namely the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) and Unified Payment Services Limited (UPSL).
ii. Automatic Failover - Configure all PoS transaction routing systems to the two PTSAs to allow seamless and automatic failover during downtime or service disruption.
iii. Testing & Validation – NIBSS and UPSL, in collaboration with regulated Financial Institutions, shall conduct periodic tests to validate redundancy, failover effectiveness, and overall system resilience.
iv. System Downtime/Service Disruption:
a. NIBSS and UPSL are required to notify the Banks in real-time of any system downtime or disruption.
b. NIBSS and UPSL are required to notify Director, Payments System Supervision Department, of any system downtime or service disruption affecting its platforms and services within 24 hours of the occurrence, stating the nature, causes and remedied actions.
v. Implementation Timeline - All regulated Financial Institutions are required to comply with this directive within one (1) month from the date of this circular.
Yours faithfully,
Rakiya O. Yusuf, PhD. 11/12/25 Director, Payments System Supervision Department