CBN POS Geotagging Requirement: What Nigerian Operators Must Do Before October 20

If you run a Point of Sale (POS) business in Nigeria, you’ve probably heard about the CBN POS geotagging requirement. Banks, aggregators, and fellow agents are already talking about it — and for good reason.

But what exactly is this new POS geotagging rule from CBN? And what do you need to do before the October 20, 2025 deadline?

This article highlights everything you must know about the CBN POS Geotagging requirement in Nigeria 2025 — PTSA registration, National Central Switch SDK, GPS-enabled POS, Android 10+, and compliance before October 20.

Let’s get started…

Table of Contents

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What is POS Geotagging?

POS geotagging simply means attaching your exact business location to every POS transaction you carry out, including withdrawals, deposits, transfers and so on.

Under the new CBN POS Geotagging requirement, each time you process a payment, your POS machine will send its exact location’s latitude and longitude to the Central Bank’s National Central Switch (NCS).

The National Central Switch is the central payment infrastructure managed under the supervision of the CBN and NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System). It acts as the official hub that connects all banks, fintechs, mobile money operators, and POS service providers in Nigeria.

By routing every POS transaction through the National Central Switch, the CBN can:

Verify that your POS is being used only at its registered location.
Prevent fraudulent or “ghost” POS machines from operating.
Ensure all payment activities are tracked in real time for compliance and security.

This is why the CBN POS Geotagging requirement also makes it compulsory for every POS device to be certified by the National Central Switch and to have the official NCS SDK for geolocation installed. Without this certification and SDK integration, your device won’t be able to communicate location data to the CBN system.

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Steps to Install the Official NCS SDK on Your POS Device

Confirm Compatibility

Your POS device must run Android 10 or higher. Check with your provider or aggregator to ensure your device supports the SDK.

Get the SDK Package

Only authorized Payment Terminal Service Aggregators (PTSAs) or your bank/fintech provider (e.g., FairMoney, Moniepoint, OPay, PalmPay, banks) can provide the official NCS SDK file. Do not download from unverified sources.

Install the SDK

Your provider will either: Push the update automatically to your POS device, OR Provide a secure download link/app update. Once installed, the SDK will integrate with your POS payment software.

Activate Geolocation Integration

After installation, the SDK will link your POS with the NCS in real time. Each transaction will now send payment + geolocation coordinates directly to the Central Bank’s system.

Verify Installation

Your aggregator or provider will confirm that the SDK is active. You should also see prompts or settings on your POS indicating NCS SDK active for geotagging.

SEE ALSO: Can You Borrow Money from FairMoney Without ATM Card? Here’s the Truth

If your POS device does not have the NCS SDK installed, it will fail the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement, and your POS may be deactivated after the compliance deadline.

The purpose is simple:

To ensure your POS is used only at your registered business address.
To stop fraudsters from operating cloned or “ghost” POS devices at hidden locations.

Key Features of the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement

To comply with the CBN POS Geotagging requirement, here’s what you must have:

1. Geolocation services enabled

One of the CBN POS Geotagging requirements is that every POS machine in Nigeria must have GPS and geolocation services turned on. Devices without GPS will no longer be accepted.

To turn on GPS and geolocation on your POS device, simply follow these steps:

Go to Settings – On your Android-based POS, tap the Settings icon.
Select Location – Scroll down and choose Location or Location Services.
Enable GPS – Toggle the switch to turn on GPS/Location Access.
Set to High Accuracy Mode – Under Location settings, select High Accuracy so your POS can use GPS, Wi-Fi, and mobile networks for the most precise coordinates.
Grant Permissions – If prompted, allow your POS software (e.g., OPay, Moniepoint, PalmPay, bank apps) to access your device’s location.
Restart Device – Restart your POS to ensure the new settings are applied correctly.
Run a Test Transaction – Most providers will prompt you during the update process to confirm that your POS is transmitting location data successfully.

Once this is done accurately without any mistakes, your POS will be able to send accurate latitude and longitude coordinates to the National Central Switch, keeping you compliant with the CBN POS Geotagging requirement.

SEE ALSO: How to Get NRBVN — The Complete Guide for Nigerians Abroad (2025 Update)

2. Mandatory PTSA registration

All POS operators must register with a Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA).

A Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA) is an institution licensed and approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to oversee, manage, and regulate POS terminals across the country. The PTSA acts as a middle layer between POS agents, banks, fintechs, and the CBN, ensuring that all POS machines are properly registered, certified, and compliant with CBN regulations.

Under the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement, your PTSA is responsible for:

Collecting your business details and exact GPS coordinates (latitude & longitude).
Linking your POS machine to your registered business location.
Making sure your device meets the National Central Switch certification and SDK requirements.
Reporting non-compliant POS devices to the CBN.

Popular aggregators in Nigeria include NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System) and other CBN-approved organizations that work with banks and fintech companies. During registration, you must provide the exact latitude and longitude coordinates of where your POS will be used.

Simply put, no POS business can operate in Nigeria without PTSA registration. It’s your PTSA that confirms to the CBN that your POS is geo-tagged, certified, and operating from the correct location.

3. National Central Switch certification

Only POS devices certified by the National Central Switch (NCS) can be used for transactions in Nigeria.

The National Central Switch (NCS) is the official payment backbone of Nigeria’s financial system, managed under the supervision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and operated by NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System).

It serves as the central hub that connects:

Banks
Fintech companies
Mobile money operators (MMOs)
POS service providers
Aggregators (PTSA)

Every transaction from your POS must pass through the National Central Switch. This allows the CBN to:

Validate the authenticity of POS devices.
Ensure accurate location reporting under the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement.
Prevent cloned or unauthorized POS machines from operating.
Secure transactions in real time.

In simple terms: If your POS machine is not certified by the National Central Switch, it will not be recognized for payments in Nigeria.

That’s why CBN insists that every POS device must:

Be registered through a PTSA,
Be certified by the NCS, and
Install the official NCS SDK for geolocation tracking.

4. National Central Switch SDK installation

Your POS must have the NCS SDK for geolocation installed. This ensures your device communicates properly with CBN’s system in real time.

The National Central Switch SDK (Software Development Kit) is an official software integration tool provided by the CBN through the National Central Switch. It enables POS devices, banks, fintech apps, and aggregators to:

Capture and transmit exact latitude and longitude during every transaction.
Authenticate transactions through the National Central Switch.
Prevent tampering or bypassing of the POS geotagging system.
Ensure all data is securely transmitted to CBN servers in real time.

Without the NCS SDK, a POS device may be unable to send location data or may fail CBN’s compliance checks.

In short: the National Central Switch SDK is the bridge between your POS machine and the CBN monitoring system. It guarantees that all transactions are not just financial but also geo-verified under the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement.

5. Minimum OS: Android 10 and above

The CBN now requires all POS machines to run on Android 10 or higher. Devices running on older Android versions will not meet the CBN POS Geotagging requirement and may be blocked from processing transactions.

To check your POS machine’s Android version, simply follow these steps:

Go to Settings – On your POS device, tap the Settings icon.
Scroll to About Device / About Phone – Depending on your device, this may also appear as System > About Device.
Select Software Information – Tap on Software Information or Android Version.
Check the Version Number – You’ll see the Android version your POS is running (e.g., Android 9, Android 10, Android 11, etc.).
Upgrade if Below 10 – If your device is running on Android 9 or lower, you must upgrade or replace it with a CBN-approved POS that supports Android 10+.

Using an Android 10+ POS ensures better security, compatibility with the National Central Switch SDK, and compliance with the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement.

How to Upgrade Your POS Machine to Android 10+

If your device is running on Android 9 or lower, you must upgrade or replace it with a CBN-approved POS that supports Android 10+. This is mandatory for compliance with the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement.

To upgrade your POS machine, simply follow these steps:

Check for Software Update
On your POS device, go to Settings > System > Software Update.
If an update is available for Android 10 or higher, download and install it.
Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery.
Confirm the New Version
After the update, return to Settings > About Device > Software Information.

Verify that the version now shows Android 10 or higher.

If No Update Is Available

Some older POS models cannot be upgraded beyond Android 9.

In this case, you must contact your Payment Terminal Service Aggregator (PTSA) or POS vendor to request a CBN-approved POS machine that already comes with Android 10+.

Migrate Your Settings

When switching devices, ensure you migrate merchant IDs, terminal IDs, and wallet details. Your PTSA will assist you with the migration so your business continues without disruption.

Upgrading ensures your POS will support geolocation tracking, NCS SDK communication, and future CBN security updates, keeping you fully compliant with the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement.

6. The 10-metre radius rule

Under the new CBN POS Geotagging Requirement, your POS machine must not move beyond 10 metres from your registered business address.

Example:

If you registered your POS at No. 15 Market Road, the device is expected to always process transactions from that exact location (within 10 metres). You cannot suddenly take it to another street, motor park, or bus stop to operate.

Why Did CBN Introduce the 10-Metre Radius Rule?

To Prevent POS Fraud and Money Laundering

Fraudsters often move POS machines across different towns to bypass monitoring. By restricting transactions to a fixed location, the CBN can easily detect suspicious activities.

To Stop Illegal POS Clustering

Many operators abandon their registered addresses and flood bus stops, markets, or fuel stations with multiple POS stands. This creates unhealthy competition and weakens the banking agent ecosystem.

To Improve Consumer Protection

With geotagging, customers can confirm they are transacting at a legitimate, registered POS point. It also helps trace accountability when disputes or fraud arise.

For Easier Supervision and Regulation

The National Central Switch (NCS) can now track every POS device in real time. This ensures only registered agents operate, reducing cases of anonymous transactions.

In short, the 10-metre rule ensures POS operators stay loyal to their registered business address, discourages fraud, and aligns with the broader CBN POS Geotagging Requirement for financial transparency.

7. Real-time location reporting

Under the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement, every POS transaction must instantly transmit both payment details and the device’s GPS coordinates to the National Central Switch (NCS).

What this means is that:

No Offline Transactions Allowed

Your POS must always be connected (internet + GPS). If GPS is disabled or the device is offline, the payment will fail.

Full Transparency

CBN will see both the transaction amount and the exact latitude/longitude where it happened.

Enhanced Security

Fraudulent or “ghost” POS operations can be traced immediately to their location.

Automatic Flagging

If your POS is used outside the 10-metre radius of your registered business address, the NCS can block or flag it in real time.

Example Transaction Flow Under CBN POS Geotagging Requirement

Customer initiates payment → Inserts card or uses transfer at your POS terminal.
POS processes transaction → Collects payment data (amount, card/bank info).
POS captures geolocation → Device automatically reads GPS coordinates (latitude & longitude).
Data sent to NCS → Payment details + location are transmitted instantly to the National Central Switch.
Verification & Approval → NCS checks that:
The transaction is valid.
The location is within 10 metres of your registered business address.
The device is certified and has the NCS SDK installed.
Transaction response → If everything checks out, NCS approves and sends back a confirmation.
Customer gets receipt → Payment is successful, and the transaction is securely recorded with its exact location.

With this real-time reporting system, CBN ensures transparency, fights fraud, and protects both customers and agents operating within the law.

Deadline for CBN POS Geotagging Requirement

The Central Bank of Nigeria has given 60 days from August 26, 2025 for all operators to comply.

The deadline is October 20, 2025. Any POS device that is not geo-tagged and certified by then may be blocked or deactivated.

What POS Agents in Nigeria Should Do Now

To meet the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement, you should:

Check your device — Ensure it’s Android 10+ and GPS-enabled.
Register with PTSA — Provide accurate coordinates of your business location.
Install updates — Your bank or fintech (OPay, Moniepoint, PalmPay, banks, etc.) will roll out the necessary updates.
Verify your address — Make sure the location on your aggregator’s system matches your actual shop.
Don’t delay — Millions of agents will rush near the deadline. Act now.

Why the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement Matters

Some POS agents may see this as another burden, but there are clear benefits:

Fraudulent or cloned POS machines will disappear.
Customers will trust your business more.
Transactions will be more secure.
Nigeria’s payment system will align with international best practices.

FAQs on CBN POS Geotagging Requirement

1. What happens if I don’t comply with the CBN POS Geotagging Requirement?
Your POS may stop working. Non-compliant machines will be flagged and possibly deactivated after October 20, 2025.

2. Can I still move around with my POS if I operate in multiple locations?
No. The rule says your POS must stay within 10 metres of your registered address. Roaming POS agents need to check with their provider for alternatives.

3. My POS is old and doesn’t have GPS. What should I do?
You must upgrade to a CBN-certified, Android 10+ POS device with geolocation services.

4. Who handles the geo-tagging process?
Both you and your provider. CBN instructed banks, PTSPs, and fintechs to implement the system, but as an agent, you must ensure your device and details are updated.

5. How will I know if my POS is geo-tagged successfully?
Your provider (Moniepoint, OPay, PalmPay, or your bank) will notify you once tagging is complete. You may also see prompts on your POS screen.

6. Will this CBN POS Geotagging Requirement cost me money?
Software updates are free. But if your POS is outdated, you may need to buy a new machine.

7. Why is CBN enforcing the POS geotagging rule now?
To curb fraud. Fraudsters have been using cloned POS machines in unregistered areas. By tying every POS to a specific geolocation, scams will reduce drastically.

Final Thoughts

The CBN POS Geotagging Requirement is not just another regulation — it’s about securing Nigeria’s payment ecosystem.

To stay compliant:

Use GPS-enabled POS devices
Register with PTSA using accurate coordinates
Ensure your device is certified and SDK-installed by the National Central Switch
Operate only within 10 metres of your registered business address
Upgrade to Android 10 or higher
Complete compliance before October 20, 2025

If you follow these rules, your POS business will remain active and trusted under the new CBN POS Geotagging Requirement.

Stay Updated:

The CBN POS Geotagging Requirement is evolving, and deadlines are strict. Bookmark this page now to get the latest updates, guides, and compliance tips before October 20, 2025.