Company registration: the full process, step by step
Nigerian company registration involves several stages — from checking your proposed name at the CAC to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation. Here's every step explained, with typical timelines, so you know exactly what to expect.
Name availability check
You submit up to 3 proposed company names. Your lawyer checks each against the CAC register to confirm none are already taken or too similar to existing registered companies.
Typical: 1–3 working daysName reservation approved
CAC confirms your chosen name is available and reserves it. Your 60-day window begins from this date. Your lawyer notifies you and the process moves to document collection.
Immediately on CAC approvalDocument collection
Your lawyer collects the required information and documents from every director and shareholder: government IDs, passport photos, residential addresses, share allocations, and the company's registered office address and business objectives.
Typically 1–3 days, depending on your responsivenessDocument preparation and review
Your lawyer prepares the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART) and the CAC Form 1.1, incorporating your company objectives, share structure, and director details. You review and approve before filing.
1–2 working daysCAC filing
Your lawyer submits the full registration application digitally through the CAC portal. The applicable registration fee (based on your share capital tier) is paid at this stage. No physical visit is required.
Same day as milestone fundedCAC processing
The CAC processes your application, reviews the documents, and issues the Certificate of Incorporation. Processing time varies depending on CAC's workload. Your lawyer monitors the portal and updates you at each status change.
Typically 5–10 working days (CAC-dependent)Certificate of Incorporation delivered
Your company is now legally registered. Your lawyer delivers your digital Certificate of Incorporation along with the certified true copy of your MEMART and the CAC Form 1.1. The final milestone is released in escrow when you confirm receipt.
Total: typically 2–4 weeks from start to finishWhat comes next after incorporation?
Once your company is registered, you'll typically want to:
- Open a business bank account — most Nigerian banks require your Certificate of Incorporation, MEMART, and a board resolution to open a corporate account
- Register with FIRS — obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Federal Inland Revenue Service
- Register for VAT — if your business turnover is expected to exceed the VAT threshold
- Apply for any sector-specific licences — depending on your industry (e.g. food handling, healthcare, financial services)
Milestone-based payment: Your registration is broken into milestones on Adaka. You fund each stage as it begins and confirm completion before the next milestone is unlocked. You never pay for work that hasn't been done.
Ready to start your registration?
A verified lawyer handles every step — from name check to certificate delivery — with your payment fully escrow-protected throughout.
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