Nigeria CAC Business Registration — Complete 2026 Guide
Registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the first legal step for any Nigerian business. In 2026, CAC has fully digitised — most registrations complete in 3–5 business days, TIN is auto-issued, and annual returns are entirely online. This guide covers the four business structures (Business Name, Ltd, PLC, NGO), realistic costs, common mistakes, and how to keep your entity in good standing.
1. Business Name vs Limited Liability vs PLC — which do you need?
The right structure depends on liability protection, tax posture, and investor readiness.
- Business Name (Enterprise): sole proprietorship or partnership. Unlimited liability. Best for freelancers, small shops. Fee: ₦10,000 government + service.
- Private Limited Company (Ltd): shareholders liable only up to unpaid shares. Best for SMEs, e-commerce, agencies. Min share capital: ₦100,000. Fee: ~₦20,000+ government.
- Public Limited Company (PLC): listed on NGX, min capital ₦2M. Best for large-scale ventures.
- Company Limited by Guarantee (NGO): non-profit. Requires Attorney-General approval — longer timeline.
2. Required documents
Pre-file these to avoid delays:
- Two proposed names (in order of preference).
- Nature of business (aligned to CAC codes).
- Registered office address (Nigerian; digital verification required).
- Director/proprietor: Nigerian passport photo, valid ID, phone, email.
- Shareholder allocation (for Ltd/PLC).
- Signed Memorandum & Articles of Association (auto-generated for Ltd).
3. Realistic costs (2026)
Cost of doing it yourself vs through an accredited agent:
- Business Name DIY: ₦10,000 government fees + your time.
- Ltd DIY: ₦20,000–35,000 depending on capital.
- Afrinexa Business Name: $199 (~₦300,000 equivalent) — includes name search, TIN issuance, digital certificates.
- Afrinexa Ltd: $299–$499 — includes MEMART drafting, TIN, initial compliance calendar.
- Post-incorporation: Trademark ~₦40,000; SCUML ~₦20,000; NAFDAC (food/cosmetics) ₦50,000+.
4. TIN issuance
Tax Identification Number is auto-generated on CAC registration since 2020. FIRS TIN, State IRS TIN separate.
- Verify on tin.jtb.gov.ng.
- Company Bank accounts require both CAC certificate and TIN.
- Annual filings due to FIRS by June 30 each year.
5. Annual returns & compliance
Failure to file = ₦5,000/year fine + potential striking-off after 3 years.
- Business Name: File Annual Returns by June 30. Fee: ₦3,000/year.
- Ltd: File Annual Returns + Audited Financial Statements. Fee: ₦5,000/year + audit fees.
- Post-Incorporation Filings (form CAC 2A, 7A): whenever director/shareholder changes.
- Afrinexa handles the entire compliance cycle for $99/year.
6. Common mistakes
Avoid these — they cost real money:
- Registering without checking name availability first.
- Using a residential address that fails digital verification.
- Ignoring TIN — banks reject account applications without it.
- Missing annual returns for 3+ years and facing striking-off notices.
- Choosing Business Name when Ltd is required for investor/partnership contracts.
How it works — step by step
Common questions
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