FG Orders Mandatory Lease Registration, Gives Waiver

The federal government has called on all lessors and leasing companies in Nigeria’s equipment leasing sector to undertake the compulsory registration of lease agreements, warning that failure to comply may attract sanctions.

This was stated in a press release by the registrar and chief executive officer of the Equipment Leasing Registration Authority (ELRA), Donald Wokoma in Abuja yesterday.

Wokoma said the directive aligned with the provisions of the Equipment Leasing Act, 2015.

He emphasised that registering lease agreements is a crucial regulatory requirement that ensures legal recognition and protection of leases.

According to him, the registration process enhances access to online services, promotes industry compliance, attracts foreign investment and supports the development of a transparent and efficient leasing environment.

Wokoma commended companies that have already completed their registration and obtained annual operational licenses via the ELRA portal, calling their compliance a boost to best practices and integrity within the leasing industry.

He noted that the ELRA portal (www.elra.gov.ng) now serves as the central platform for monitoring leasing activities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and facilitating improved communication across the sector.

He further announced that the agency had approved a waiver on late registration fees for lease agreements covering the first and second quarters of 2025.

“This waiver reflects our commitment to easing compliance and encouraging broader adherence to the Equipment Leasing Act,” he said.