The verdict in three sentences
Nigeria's Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) allows business registration in roughly 3 to 5 business days, for a cost of NGN 15,000 to 50,000 depending on the legal structure. Pairing this fast timeline with a showcase website built in parallel lets a founder officially launch with an operational online presence in under 10 days. This timing is a real competitive edge for new entrepreneurs in Lagos, against competitors who wait weeks before being visible online.
CAC business registration timelines and costs in 2026
The Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria's single registration authority, centralizes business name or company registration, the RC/BN number, and initial tax registration with FIRS.
| Legal structure | Registration time | Cost NGN 2026 | Required documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Name (sole proprietor) | 2-3 business days | 15,000 - 20,000 | Valid ID, proof of address |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | 3-5 business days | 25,000 - 50,000 | Memorandum & Articles, ID of directors |
| Single-member LLC | 3-5 business days | 25,000 - 40,000 | Memorandum & Articles, ID |
| Public Limited Company (PLC) | 7-14 business days | 60,000 - 120,000 | Notarized documents, minimum capital, board |
*Costs exclude legal/professional fees for LLC/PLC filings, 2026 order of magnitude via the CAC portal.*
Combined schedule: registration + website launch
Syncing both processes avoids losing weeks between a business's legal existence and its commercial visibility.
| Day | Business step | Website step |
|---|---|---|
| Day 0-1 | File CAC registration | Brief and choose showcase template |
| Day 2-3 | Receive RC number | Custom design and content |
| Day 4-7 | Open business bank account | Integrate mobile money / card payment |
| Day 8-10 | Initial tax registration (FIRS/TIN) | Go live + Google indexing |
Mini case study
Amaka launches a natural cosmetics business in Lagos. She files her Business Name registration with the CAC on a Monday and receives her RC number on Wednesday (48 hours), for a cost of NGN 18,000. In parallel, she orders a showcase website from Kolonell that same Monday; the site is delivered on Friday with mobile money payment integrated, 4 days later. Result: by the Friday of week one, Amaka has a legally registered business AND an operational website to take her first orders, while a competitor launching without synchronization often takes 3 to 4 weeks to reach the same point.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Do I need to wait for registration to finish before starting my website?
No, website development (design, content, structure) can start as soon as the CAC filing is submitted; only the final integration of legal details (RC number) waits for their receipt.
What documents does the CAC require for a Business Name registration?
A valid ID, a recent proof of address, and for certain regulated activities, a sector-specific permit.
Does the NGN 15,000-50,000 cost cover all fees?
This amount covers CAC registration itself; legal fees for an LLC/PLC filing and opening a business bank account should be budgeted separately.
Can a business be registered online without visiting a CAC office in person?
The CAC offers an online portal for most of the filing, but final validation and some documents often still require in-person steps.
Can the showcase website display the RC number before it's officially received?
It's recommended to wait for the RC number before final publication, so the legal notices displayed at launch are accurate and compliant.
Let's talk about your project. Kolonell supports new Nigerian entrepreneurs with a showcase website delivered in parallel with their CAC registration. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
