Starting a business or organisation in Nigeria is a bold and exciting step. But before you can operate legally, open a business bank account, access funding, or enter into contracts, you must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Whether you’re setting up a Business Name, forming a Limited Liability Company, or establishing an NGO (Incorporated Trustee), each structure has its own requirements, documents, and processes.
In 2025, CAC registration requirements will have been updated to reflect new legal standards, digital procedures, and compliance rules.
This guide breaks down the requirements for CAC registration in Nigeria in a simple, practical way, so you know exactly what is required for each type of registration.
What is a Business Name?
A business name refers to a name, other than one’s natural name, under which the person carries on business. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships often opt for this business name structure.
Even legal and accounting firms usually prefer this, although they can choose a Limited Partnership or a Limited Liability Partnership.
Requirements for Registration
- Proposed Names of the Business
The name must be compatible with its structure and adequately qualified. It must have suffixes such as ventures, hub, enterprises, concept, and fashion, etc, that qualify it as a business name.
- Nature of Business
This must also align with the options provided by the CAC. Before now, people could customise their business nature. However, they must now select one option from the CAC’s options.
- Details of the Proposed Business
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Bio-data and Documentation of the Proprietor
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Home address
- Passport photograph
- Signature
- ID card
Company
This means a Limited Liability Company, whether private or public. A company is often considered for greater structure and growth.
Raising funds is another reason business owners opt for a company structure; shares can be issued in exchange for capital.
With a company, liability can be limited. Shareholders can decide on the extent of liability they wish to undertake in the event the company winds up.
Requirement for Registration
Proposed Name of the Company
- A private limited liability company ends with LTD
- A public limited liability company ends with PLC
- A company limited by guarantee ends with LTD/GTE
The name of the company must not contain any prohibited words as provided in Section 852 (1) of CAMA, and for restricted words, consent must be sought and obtained as provided in Section 852 (2) of CAMA.
Objects of the Company
This requirement is important because it determines the amount of share capital required to register the company. This means that the share capital and objects must match.
Share Capital Structure
Generally, the minimum share capital for a private and public company is 100,000 and 2,000,000, respectively.
However, in highly regulated industries, share capital must comply with the regulatory body’s requirements. For example, to register a travel and tour company, the minimum share capital is 30 million.
Details of the Proposed Company
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
Number of Officials of the Company
- Directors: At least one director for small companies, at least two directors for any company other than a small company.
- Shareholders: There is no prescribed number for private companies; however, for public companies, the minimum is two.
- Secretary: Private companies are not mandated to appoint a secretary, but the public is required to appoint a company secretary who meets the criteria as prescribed in Section 332 of CAMA.
Bio-data and Documentation of the Directors, Shareholders, Secretary, and Witness
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Home address
- Signatures
- ID cards
Incorporated Trustees
An Incorporated Trustee is registered for purposes that include charity and culture. It is strictly for not-for-profit purposes. Examples of incorporated trustees are churches, foundations, mosques, clubs, old school associations, etc.
Requirements for Registration
1. Proposed Name of the Incorporated Trustee
The name of the Incorporated Trustee must reflect its aims and objectives. The CAC must be able to understand the objectives of your proposal from its name alone. Where the reverse is the case, the name would be denied.
2. Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives must adequately disclose the objectives of the Incorporated Trustees. It must also reflect the nature of the IT, which could be a foundation, club, church, mosque, or an alumni association.
3. Consent from Registrar-General
Consent to register your Incorporated Trustee with your proposed name must be sought and obtained.
4. Publication in two National Newspapers
Once consent has been obtained, the next step is to publish in two national newspapers, disclosing the names of the Incorporated Trustees and the trustees, and calling for public opposition within 28 days of publication.
5. Minutes of Meeting
The minutes of the meeting where the members of the IT resolved to appoint the trustees as the representatives of the body are highly required.
6. Trustees Declaration Form
Each trustee must formally state their consent to serve in that role and confirm they meet all legal eligibility requirements.
This is done through a sworn declaration, usually signed before a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public, confirming that they are not legally barred from acting as a trustee.
7. Number of Officials Required for an Incorporated Trustee
- Trustee: At least two trustees
- Chairman: A trustee can double as a chairman
- Secretary: A trustee can double as the secretary
8. Details of the Proposed Incorporated Trustee
- Address of the IT
- Phone number
- Email address
9. Bio-data and Documentation of the Trustees, Chairman, and Secretary
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Home address
- Signature
- ID card of the proprietor
Conclusion
Registering your Business Name, Company, or NGO with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2025 is essential for legitimacy, growth, and access to opportunities. CAC’s digital transformation has made the process faster, but accuracy and proper documentation are still critical.
Whether you are a startup founder, a growing company, or an NGO leader, understanding these requirements helps you avoid errors, delays, and unnecessary expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I register my business with CAC by myself?
Yes, you can. However, using a professional ensures compliance and avoids avoidable rejections.
What is the difference between a Business Name and a Company?
A Business Name has no legal personality, owners are personally liable.
A Company is a separate legal entity with limited liability protection.
How long does CAC registration take in 2025?
Business Name: 3–5 working days
Company: 3–7 working days
Incorporated Trustee: 6–8 weeks
Why Choose TCorporate?
Navigating CAC regulations can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At TCorporate, we help entrepreneurs, companies, and NGOs register smoothly without errors, delays, or rejected applications.
Why clients trust us:
- Expertise in all forms of business set-up: Business Name, Company, NGO
- Updated knowledge: We follow all new CAC rules and compliance updates
- Fast, reliable processing, and end-to-end support: From name reservation to certificate collection
Ready to Register Your Business, Company, or NGO?
Let us handle the paperwork and compliance while you focus on building your vision.
Please send a message today, and let’s start your business formation process.
Visit www.tcorporatelegaladvisory.com
Email: info@tcorporatelegaladvisory.com
Tel: 08062348867, 09080119975, 09080119980
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Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice.
For specific legal advice, contact us.
WRITTEN BY: OGHENEYOMA E. IBUJE LL.B, B.L, ACIS
LEGAL ASSOCIATE
TCORPORATE LEGAL ADVISORY